Liverpool youth basketball tournament aims to reduce crime – BBC News

The UK’s biggest free 3×3 basketball tournament has returned to a city as part of an initiative to reduce the level of violent crime.

Young people from across Merseyside are taking part in the event in Liverpool, which is the basketball equivalent to football’s five-a-side.

The event, held in Chavasse Park at Liverpool ONE, was devised by the Toxteth El8te CIC and is funded by Merseyside’s Violence Reduction Partnership (MVRP).

Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said the event would “give young people the chance to channel their energy and abilities into positive activities during the school holidays”.

The tournament was first held in the city in August 2023, when about 200 young people took part in activities at a purpose-built court.

Toxteth El8te’s Emile Coleman said the first event was “hugely successful” and this year there had been an unprecedented number of sign ups, filling all the team brackets within 10 days.

Ms Spurrell said the power of basketball was “incredible” and working alongside Toxteth El8te, they hoped to inspire more young people to give it a try.

Debi McAndrew from MVRP said: “Engaging young people is vital if we want to help them reach their full potential and prevent them getting involved in activities which could take them down the wrong path or lead to harm to themselves or others.”

Iain Finlayson, estate director at Liverpool ONE, said that grassroots sports organisations like Toxteth El8te were essential to bringing young people together and, in turn, making a positive impact on their confidence and mental health.

This year’s event, which is supported by Liverpool ONE, began on Friday and runs until Sunday.

Free open coaching and mentoring sessions are on offer each day from 10:00 to 12:00 BST, with the aim of giving more young people a chance to try the sport basketball and to put their skills to the test.

Then in the afternoons, between 12:00 and 20:00, more than 60 3X3 teams will jump ball, vying against each other to reach the grand final on Sunday afternoon.