Slam-dunk in Whiston

Sixteen primary schools from across Knowsley and Liverpool have taken part in a basketball tournament organised by the ‘Everton in the Community’ initiative.

The competition, sponsored by education recruitment and training specialists New Directions Education took place in April for the second successive year.

As part of their preparation and training for the event, each school received at least two coaching sessions from professional experts – the Everton Tigers.

Denise Sunderland, reception teacher from Broadgreen Primary spoke about her school’s participation in the competition: “It’s great to see Everton in the Community and their sponsors organising this fantastic basketball tournament.

“This type of initiative allows our pupils to widen their sporting horizons and learn from a competitive arena whilst working alongside dedicated athletes from the Everton Tigers.”

The event took place at St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Centre for Learning in Whiston where some of the students helped out on the day of the tournament as group leaders.

After a competitive final between Northwood Primary and Rice Lane Primary – Rice Lane Primary School were victorious for the second successive year, retaining their title as the Ultimate Basketball Champions 2015.

Dave Cooney, school sports co-ordinator for Rice Lane School said: “The children loved it and it was fantastic to keep hold of our title. We will definitely be back next year!”