As a further part of their community outreach programmes the Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders have set up a new programme called 'Shoot 2 the Future'.

Leicester Riders and the Leicestershire Police have teamed up to make a difference to the community via a new programme targeted at youth.

The aim of the ‘Shoot 2 the Future’ project is to support youth development in the community by means of basketball. A number of youth training programs and opportunity days will be provided, which will encourage today’s youth in the community to refocus, and assist them in developing their skills and talent.

The target youth sectors for the project will be Youth Offenders, and the prevention of youth offending in Leicester. The proposal is to use twilight basketball coaching to combat anti-social behaviour, to allow teenagers to engage in a sport and to allow the coaches of the Leicester Riders to encourage and develop natural talent. There will also be respite days, where young carers can have a break from their responsibilities and enjoy a day with a coach and potentially members of the team, and then have an invite to a Rider’s game in the second half of the day. This would allow them to enjoy a day with a difference.

For the Leicestershire Police, Sergeant Helen Nurse said, “I am really excited about the Shoot 2 the Future Project and working in Partnership with the Riders.  The Project is aimed at 14-21 year olds to take part in a 39 week programme of basketball coaching, and we hope will act as a positive activity that young people can get involved in.”

For the Riders, General Manager Russell Levenston said, “This is a really excellent project, and the Riders are delighted to be involved. Our players really feel they can make a difference, and we are looking forward to working with colleagues in the Leicestershire Police to tackle this important work.”

 A steering group has been set up with representatives from Leicester Riders, Leicestershire Police, Crimestoppers, and young people of Leicester.

There are currently Four Shoot 2 the Future sessions running at:

New College Leicester Friday 7-9pm (Basketball 7-9pm and Dance 7:30-8:30pm Session)

Beaumont Leys School Friday 8-9:30pm

De Montfort University John Sandford Sports Centre Friday 7-9pm

Rushey Mead School Friday 5.00-7pm

For more information and how you can get involved contact the Leicester Riders office on 0116 255 8635 or email info@leicesterriders.co.uk