Why it matters: The Sport Sense High School Basketball League is providing young people across Ipswich with more than just competition. Dixon says it is about giving students something to aspire to, belong to and remember, whilst creating pathways to opportunities through sport.
The details: The league, which will run across the academic year, brings together secondary schools from across the area. Farlingaye High School were crowned the winner of the opening tournament, earning praise for their performance and sportsmanship.
Dixon, who now coaches and mentors young people, has spent time developing basketball in London, Canada and China before returning to his hometown to create the league he wished had existed when he was growing up.
"Growing up here, I always dreamed of a local school basketball league where schools could face off against each other and really compete," he said. "Something that gave students pride in wearing their school colours, something to train for, talk about and remember.
The bigger picture: While competition is central to the league, Dixon stresses its purpose extends beyond basketball itself.
"This is about more than just basketball," he said. "It is about giving young people a platform to play, compete and belong. Basketball has been a catalyst for many of the opportunities I have had in my own life, and this league is about extending those same opportunities to the next generation."
What they're saying: Dixon believes the league demonstrates the depth of talent across Suffolk whilst addressing a need for more platforms where young people can develop.
"There is so much talent in this county, not just among players but in areas like events, leadership and organisation," he said. "We need more platforms that allow young people to develop those skills in real-life settings."
For context: The initiative has created work experience opportunities for students from Suffolk New College, aligned with their courses. Students have been involved in officiating, media production, event support, planning and logistics.
What's next: The league will continue throughout the academic year with termly tournaments planned. Organisers are inviting more Ipswich-based schools to get involved in future events.
With support from local sponsors, the league aims to expand its reach and provide improved provision for young people across Ipswich and the wider Suffolk area.
The bottom line: Dixon has turned a childhood dream into reality, creating a basketball league that provides Ipswich students with opportunities to compete, develop and access the same life-changing pathways that sport once opened for him.
