Hampshire Harriers Wheelchair Basketball Club

Hampshire Harriers has been established for 30 + years. Encouraging people with or without a disability to engage in wheelchair basketball to improve fitness & socialise.

Hampshire Harriers play and train at Chamberlayne Sports Centre, Weston Lane, Southampton, most Sundays between 12 and 3pm.

The Club (formerly known as the Hedghogs) has been in existence for over thirty years and promotes a team in the third division south of the national league. The team have an extra training session in the week before a match.

In 2004 following the Paralympics in Athens, a development group was started for new players seeking a sport or just to improve their general fitness. Training with our development group is available most Sundays between 12 and 2pm and is an opportunity to try out the sport or work at finding new levels of fitness. Young people in education who have never played sport before find this enjoyable and if there are enough spare chairs, can play alongside their family members or friends on an equal basis. Probably for the first time. Equally, those who have experienced an accident or an illness find this sport helps them to get active again and enjoy a social setting - possibly for many years to come. And it is fun!

Those already involved with the club are happy to offer their expertise in many ways, including possible ways of finding and funding a new sports wheelchair.

New players are always welcome. The current age range is 10 to 69. Males and females play alongside each other. There are a few club wheelchairs available to borrow and advice can be given to those who wish to purchase their own.

In 2007 a separate junior club was formed for much younger players aged approx 7 to 14 years. This offers basketball training but also encourages young persons using manual wheelchairs to participate in a range of games and activities.

Wheelchair basketball is suitable for those who have a physical disability due to birth, illness, accident, or conflict. As well as providing an active team sport, there are the added opportunities to improve fitness, health, rehabilitation, and weight management, plus a new social scene. This can be a lifetime sport for many who seek to get out more, be more active and have fun.

To illustrate the potential of the game, Hampshire Harriers can arrange introduction talks and demonstrations. Any group wishing to try their hand in a sponsored game is welcome to contact us. Some schools and colleges have involved us in their programmes on disability and diversity and others with widening their sports management courses.

Our coach is always prepared to offer advice on planning new sports halls. Too many are having rubber floors laid down which has a very negative effect on the handling of wheelchairs, both for the experienced and developing players. This will kill the sport if it continues.

If you would like to get involved, please contact:

Terry or Anette Marsh on 02392 352824
terry. marsh@hampshireharriers.org. uk
annette. marsh@hampshireharriers.org. uk

Geoff Green on 02380 254630
geoffrey. green@hampshireharriers.org. uk