Club news
Wildcats Launch Adopt A School Sponsorship Campaign
BUSINESSES have an opportunity to help develop the next generation of North-East sports stars following the launch of the Durham Wildcats innovative sponsorship campaign in partnership with Durham County Council.
Durham Wildcats basketball club, with the backing of Durham County Council, is hoping to raise £10,000 to support the development of the British Basketball League (BBL) newcomers.
The aim is for 20 local companies to each invest £500 in the club and in exchange the Wildcats have pledged to introduce 10,000 local schoolchildren to the sport.
Business backers will be invited to nominate the school of their choice to receive elite coaching sessions from the Wildcats team. Furthermore, the company would become match sponsor at an upcoming BBL fixture at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre.
Councillor Neil Foster, the council's cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, said: "This is a very exciting opportunity to see businesses in County Durham help, support and foster excellence in schools while obviously raising their own profile at the same time.
"The Wildcats offer us as a county the chance to showcase home grown talent on a world stage and closer to home they have pledged to support pathways to excellence. I am delighted to support their campaign."
The Wildcats coach Dave Elderkin, explained how the youngsters would benefit from the programme. "Without exception all the pupils enjoy learning the skills and work very hard to master the game," he said.
"They really love working with the senior Wildcats players. We concentrate on teaching passing, shooting and dribbling skills and introduce 3 on 3 basketball, making it as much fun as possible.
"We also put together festivals for schools within their clusters and offer youngsters opportunities to play in front of a live audience before our own competitive Wildcat BBL games."
The Wildcats have faced tough competition since making the step up to the top level of English basketball this season, but the move has significantly boosted the clubs profile; attracting crowds of about 500 spectators and upping media coverage.
Companies interested in backing the club should contact Richard Warburton, Wildcats operations manger on 0191 334 4737 or email richard.warburton@durham.ac.uk for more details
