Reclaiming the streets

Social sport can often be hard to find. Either you turn up and it’s a joke and you don’t do anything, or it’s far more competitive than you really wanted. However, I think I’ve found the perfect balance.

The authentic old gym

A few times this year, I’ve headed down to the old gym on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon and played social basketball. I’m pretty terrible at basketball but this was great for the fitness and the people were easy to chat to bla bla bla, standard praise, but it was really good.

However, midway through last term the hoops broke and the uni said they would replace them. Sadly this never happened and now basketball at the old gym is hoopless.

Totally hoopless

With the prime real estate of the Munrow being too expensive, it seemed all was lost for the friendliest American import (social American football just wouldn’t work.)

Ballers enjoying the sun

But it seems this setback may have been a blessing in disguise. Hiding behind Selly Oak’s prized Aldi are courts, and with the social basketball organisers taking over every afternoon, basketball isn’t just for the weekend.

Although this happens every summer, the coincidence with the hoops breaking was ideal. Everyday this term people have been there, providing the perfect afternoon exercise. Occasionally this means that it becomes a sort of practise session for the uni teams however it is still more often than not a great way to stretch the legs.

We wait to see how social basketball will survive in the cold winter months without the old gym but for the time being the ballers are just enjoying the sunshine. Get involved and go check it out!