London Sports Festival’s 3×3 Basketball Court Scores Early Success with Basketball England Takeover
Credit: Central London Alliance CIC
Central London Alliance’s London Sports Festival’s newest sporting activation has made an impressive start, as the pop-up 3×3 basketball court in Paternoster Square welcomed hundreds of participants and spectators for a successful opening day in partnership with Basketball England.
Situated in the shadow of St Paul’s Cathedral, the court has transformed Paternoster Square into a vibrant destination for sport, community and wellbeing, bringing together workers, residents, visitors and aspiring players to experience one of the world’s fastest-growing urban sports.
The opening Basketball England takeover showcased the excitement and accessibility of 3×3 basketball through free coaching, skills sessions and opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to be involved.
The activation builds on the success of the King’s Baton Relay celebration in May, when Team England’s King’s Baton arrived in Canada before being placed on the very same court. Thousands gathered to celebrate the Commonwealth Games and enjoy a day of free basketball activities. Today, visitors can once again experience that atmosphere, with a large screen adjacent to the court showing the Commonwealth Games throughout the activation, including the 3×3 basketball competition featuring many of the athletes who inspired participants during the Baton celebrations.
Credit: Central London Alliance
Running for 18 days, the programme offers one of London’s most inclusive and varied basketball schedules, with activities designed to welcome beginners through to experienced players.
Highlights include:
- Free 3×3 basketball taster session on Friday 24 July, from 12:00pm to 2:00pm
- A special Sunrise Basketball Session on Saturday morning, which was fully booked shortly after release
- Free junior coaching sessions led by renowned coach Alex Ducasse on Sunday 26 July, alongside Basketball England’s Slam Jam family basketball sessions
- Free wheelchair basketball tasters for anyone to try on Tuesday 28 July, delivered by the London Titans
- Dedicated sessions for SEND participants powered by the London Basketball Association and women-only and Muslim women groups run by the Black Prince’s Trust, ensuring basketball is accessible to everyone
- Competitive 3×3 tournaments and corporate challenges for businesses across the City
- Outdoor fitness classes making full use of the unique city-centre court
- A series of exciting takeover days, including activations from Basketball England’s Aspire Programme, LondonHoops x AND1, Bouncewear and Brixton Topcats
- Bookable private sessions available throughout the programme for businesses, community organisations and private groups.
The activation has been delivered by Central London Alliance as part of the London Sports Festival in partnership with Blue Orchid Hospitality, Cheapside Business Alliance, and with support from London 3×3 and the Canada Corporation.
The programme has been further strengthened through National Lottery funding from Sport England, awarded to Central London Alliance for professional coaches, volunteer support and specialist equipment to be available throughout the activation. This investment has significantly expanded the number of complimentary coaching sessions available, ensuring participants can enjoy a safe, welcoming and professionally delivered basketball experience while creating clear pathways into continued participation beyond the festival.
Tony Matharu, founder and Chairman of Central London Alliance, said:
“The response to Central London Alliance’s 3×3 basketball activation has been outstanding and demonstrates exactly what the London Sports Festival is all about – transforming public spaces into places where people can come together, be active and experience sport in the heart of our capital.
From children picking up a basketball for the very first time to businesses competing with colleagues and elite coaches inspiring the next generation, this programme reflects the power of sport to bring communities together.
We are particularly proud that, through the support of Sport England and London 3×3, we can provide professional coaching completely free of charge for so many participants. Combined with our fantastic partners and the unique backdrop of St Paul’s Cathedral, this activation showcases London’s ability to deliver world-class sporting experiences that leave a lasting legacy for both participants and the city itself.”
London Sports Festival continues to transform central London’s iconic public spaces into places of activity and community, encouraging people of all ages and abilities to Play Their Part through a growing programme of inclusive sporting experiences. Workers, visitors and residents can also enjoy padel at Tower Hill Terrace and Hay’s Galleria, pickleball and giant volleyball in the iconic Guildhall Yard and panna football in the Crescent.
Further information and bookings are available at the London Sports Festival website.