Surprise donation boosts Ellon basketball youth
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Coaches, captains and players from Attack Basketball Academy got a big surprise this week when staff from Coop's Esslemont Circle store handed over double the donation they were expecting.
The group had thought that they were to receive £250 towards purchasing new equipment when they popped along to the store to accept the cheque, but they were left "absolutely amazed" when they were presented with a cheque for £500.
Director of coaching at Attack Basketball Academy, Ruth Grant, said: “Basketball is currently one of the fastest growing sports in the UK.
"We approached the Co-op to help us purchase a new hoop for our training sessions, and with this generous donation not only can we purchase the larger hoop but we can also now buy a smaller basketball hoop for the younger children.
"It’s great!
“Currently Attack Basketball Academy are currently training outside.
"This has resulted in the club seeing new growth, as younger children have seen the players train and have asked to join the academy.
"Outdoor training sessions are currently free if anyone wants to come along and give basketball a try.”
Co-op Ellon store manager Dean Knox said: “We’re just delighted to be able to help support Attack Basketball Academy purchase this new equipment.
"It’s a privilege to be able to invest in sporting activities for children and youth within our local community.”
When the young people were asked by Coop's member pioneer Barbara Last what they enjoy about Attack Basketball Academy they're answers included "it's a great competitive club", "it's fun and I really enjoy the social side of the sport" and "we really enjoy learning pivots and shooting hoops".
Basketball Attack Academy meet at Ellon Meadows, Peterhead, Fraserburgh and Turriff and for more information you can visit: www.attackbasketball.info .
