Features

The Scarborough Seahawks are an under 18s North East National League Conference Basketball team based at the Pindar Leisure Centre in Eastfield. We spoke to the taller than average captain Robert Barker and team mate Steve Brown to find out more about why they love the sport.

Robert started playing while at school. His height was definitely a factor, but he's keen to stress that anyone can get involved.

"I'm 6'8" and when I started playing at school a teacher told me about the Seahawks training on a Friday night. I went along and got working on my fundamentals, then I've just worked my way up.

"Height isn't crucial. If you've got some ability and you're physically fit there's no reason why you can't play.

That's echoed by Seahawks Coach Steve Race, himself a more average 5'7"

"You don't have to be tall, but you do need a bit of skill if you're a bit smaller. Speed comes into it a lot so it's not just for the big guys.

"Basketball is getting very popular. It's on the syllabus at most schools and as well as the Scarborough Seahawks there's an excellent team in York and Thirsk has a club. There are also plans to develop an under 12s section right across North Yorkshire in 2009."

Keen to make sure it doesn't get seen as a sport that's only played in schools England Basketball have been working to promote the sport in communities as Steve explains

"The Outdoor Basketball Initiative is about trying to setup outdoor courts for people to use. Mainly they'd be for summer, when the weather's good, but they're being built all over."

It's a great spectator sport, but there are few opportunities to watch local teams play. The spectator facilities, as seen in so many American high schools on TV, are rare.

Seahawks player Steve Brown says the game's association with schools is something that's starting to change.

"It's seen as a sport for the school gym, but there's a lot of work being done to try and make it a more popular sport. Some of the top teams from America have been coming over here to play and that's added a big boost to the game.

"It's still seen as an American sport, but it's getting a lot bigger in England. I think now it's one of the top three up and coming sports.

As well as the under 18s team, the Seahawks also have teams for boys under 16 and under 14. There's also the opportunity for girls to get involved and Steve Race says it's proving popular.

"On Friday we hold a junior development session for young people aged 8-15. We're getting a lot more girls coming into the club now so we're looking at trying to form some teams next season to enter into competition."

If you're interested in getting involved with a local team, you can find out more information from the websites linked below. This isn't a comprehensive list of teams across North Yorkshire, but should get you started.