Annie Scanlon has been announced as an official ambassador for Basketball England’s All Girls campaign to increase opportunities for women and girls to get involved in basketball – be that via playing, coaching, officiating or volunteering.
One of eighty Ambassadors, Annie has been recruited by the National governing body to be part of the ground- breaking programme, designed to increase female participation in the sport and tackle under-representation by young women.
Recognised both nationally and locally as an influential advocate of the sport, Annie will be responsible for engaging with women and girls in Southampton to provide opportunities to get involved with basketball.
As a PE teacher, Coach and a player for the Solent Kestrels, Annie has been able to pass on her experiences to several young females within the community over the last few years. In 2019, she hosted two large-scale events including a Basketball Camp for girls which saw several of the young athletes go on to play for the club, and a Girls only basketball festival for Years 7 and 8 with 80 students in attendance. Building on the success of these events, Annie has high hopes and ambitions to organise additional community events for young women and girls in the area.
“I am delighted to become an Ambassador for the sport. It’s a wonderful feeling to see the next generation of talent come through and being able to share my passion for the game I love! The sport has given me so many exciting opportunities and created many lifelong friendships that I want to share with others, in the hope that the sport will do the same for them. Basketball is becoming bigger in the UK each year and this programme is a key component for the growth of the sport.” Commented Annie.
The ambassador programme aims to support Basketball England’s overall vision of nurturing the female game, creating a lifelong affinity with the sport, whilst shining a spotlight on the role models (both male and female) who are helping to drive the sport forward.
“We know there’s a lack of awareness of basketball among women and young girls. Our All Girls Ambassadors will be shouting from the rafters in their area, positioning the game in a way that speaks directly to them. We hope this ground-breaking programme will not only highlight the great work of the basketball community but showcase the numerous ways that all women and girls can be part of this amazing sport.” Said Stuart Kellett, CEO of England Basketball.
To join the All Girls movement and find your nearest club and taster session, visit www.basketballengland.co.uk/get-involved/play/all-girls-campaign/
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