A quick trip down memory lane
If you know, you know: Before moving to Ipswich when I was 19, I grew up near Sudbury, home to the legendary Sudbury Mustangs.
If you've never played basketball, and there's a good chance you haven't, that name will mean nothing to you.
But if you'd so much as looked at a basketball in Suffolk or Essex in the 90's and 00's then you will fondly remember the Mustangs, or at the very least, head coach Lawrence "Larry" Walker.
Originally from Virginia, USA, Lawrence, who sadly passed away last year, dedicated his life to two things: racial equality and basketball.
Through his work as chairman of Colchester's Black History Month and as an inspirational basketball coach, he influenced hundreds, probably thousands, of lives in Suffolk and Essex. Mine included.
He lived and breathed basketball.
It took me a few years to realise how lucky we were to have someone in our community committed to growing basketball in a place where no one else would.
Back to the present
Ipswich is fortunate in that there are many places to play competitive basketball, but not every kid wants to train hard and play competitively. Many kids, especially younger ones, simply want to have fun.
So when I got an email from Anton Dixon, an old friend and former teammate I hadn't seen for 17 years, asking if I wanted to learn more about the free community basketball sessions he and his team were running in Chantry, I leapt at the chance.
The big picture: Through their respective organisations and with a small grant from Chantry Library, Dixon and his team have been running free community basketball sessions at the Hawthorne Drive basketball court in Chantry throughout the summer holidays.
Key players:
Anton Dixon, Head Coach: Dixon was born in Canada but grew up in Ipswich before earning a scholarship to play Division 1 university basketball in Canada. After graduation, he pursued long jump, achieving national ranking in Canada and competing in the BAL Premier Division. He now lives in Ipswich and is the founder of Sport Sense.
Ty Sevindik-Burnett, Assistant Coach: A Chantry local and Head Coach at Aspire Basketball.
Mark Straw, Youth Support: A long-serving youth mentor and the founder of Community Praxis. Mark’s focus is on strengthening participation and ensuring that the voices of young people are heard.
What they're doing: Anton and his team are running free community basketball sessions in Chantry, a residential area of Ipswich with a population of 30,000 people that, incredibly, has no facilities for local youth.
Key details:
Over 20 children regularly attend both under-13 and over-13 sessions
14 sessions were held this summer, with plans to continue next term
Sessions take place on Thursdays from 5-7pm
The impact: The sessions have provided a much-needed outlet for local kids during the summer holidays. The team has seen a significant reduction in antisocial behaviour in the area, and the community has rallied behind the project, helping to install new basketball hoops.
What they're saying: "Sports have played a significant role in my life, and I'm passionate about providing youth with as many opportunities as possible," Dixon said.
"Even if they don't pursue sports at a higher level, the experience offers powerful tools for self-development and essential life skills.
"Our basketball sessions have also become a safe space for young people to discuss their joys, concerns, and future steps, even on exam days. We've built strong relationships with the children and their families, creating a supportive environment that extends beyond the sport itself."
How to get involved: The free sessions are held every Thursday at Hawthorn Drive Court in Chantry and are open to anyone. Parents are welcome to stay and watch.
U13s session: 5:00 to 6:00 PM
Over 13s session: 6:00 to 7:00 PM
What's next: Anton and his team plan to expand their community work to other areas of Ipswich and explore ways to access additional funding to improve outdoor court facilities.
The bottom line: Through their commitment and passion, Dixon, Sevindik-Burnett, and Straw are demonstrating how sports and mentorship can combine to deliver meaningful change in the community while inspiring more young people to take up basketball.
