A BASKETBALL team can continue to play in a league thanks to an injection of funding from a homebuilder.

Persimmon Homes South Midlands has given Worcester Cyclones basketball club £500 as part of its community Champions scheme.

Club secretary Martin Garrad, who applied for the funding on behalf of the club, said: “It’s a great place for lads and dads to exercise and socialise but we are all about playing and not profit, and even the loss of one person can have a huge impact on the financial viability of the club.

“Keeping costs to a minimum is critical as some members are unemployed.

“We believe physical and mental health is crucial to family life and that our small, friendly club offers a place to maintain both.

“We are extremely thankful to Persimmon Homes South Midlands for their donation.”

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Team manager, Emma Jane Gardner said: “Basketball is an expensive sport to play.

“Each league match we take part in costs around £100 and the team is doing really well at the moment.

Amanda Rogers, head of sales for Persimmon Homes South Midlands, said: “The club provides a great opportunity in the local area for fathers to come together and keep fit and healthy, as well as socialising.

“We are delighted to support Worcester Cyclones Basketball Club in this way.”

“If people were unsuccessful in their community champions application, we urge them to visit the Persimmon Homes website and to try again and hopefully they will become our next recipient.”

Worcester Cyclones Basketball Club, based in Worcester, provides an opportunity for members of mixed age and ability to play in local league competitive basketball.

The team is made up of fathers of young families who use the club to get regular exercise to keep fit and healthy, together with some lads who are now too old to play in the Worcester Academy system.

Each month the housebuilder donates up to £1,000 each to two groups or individuals through the match-funded scheme.

To apply, visit: persimmonhomes.com/charity