KERALA BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION AND STARTING FIVE SPORTS MANAGEMENT ANNOUNCE THE “BASKETBALL BUDDIES” PROGRAM in KERALA

Trivandrum, Kerala – Starting Five Sports Management in collaboration with the Kerala Basketball Association, is proud to announce the “Basketball Buddies” Program, a groundbreaking grassroots initiative to revolutionize basketball in Kerala. This program aims to introduce the sport to non-basketball schools across major cities and towns, creating new opportunities for young students to engage in basketball while building a strong pipeline of future athletes.

The Basketball Buddies Program is set to kick off in June 2025, with a targeted mission to enroll several schools and initiate over 5,000 students aged 8–12 into the sport during the academic year 2025-26. This initiative is poised to be a transformative step for grassroots basketball development in Kerala.

Program Objectives and Key Highlights

The Basketball Buddies Program is designed to encourage all categories of schools with no active basketball teams or structured programs to form competitive teams while promoting basketball as an integral part of student development

• Engagement with New Schools: Focused on enrolling schools with or without basic basketball facilities and no prior basketball programs.

• Student Participation: Targeting 5,000+ students in the 8–12 age group, with fun-based training to instill foundational skills.

• Formation of New Teams: Supporting 50+ schools to form basketball teams and compete in inter-school events within 1 year.

• Comprehensive Training Curriculum: A structured curriculum designed by former Indian basketball legend CV Sunny, blending skill-building, teamwork, and fitness.

• Competitions and Grading: Year end contests and grading assessments to motivate students and measure progress including Technology integration for monitoring.

Comments from Key Stakeholders

• CV Sunny, Former Indian Basketball Player:

“Basketball is more than a sport; it’s a life-changing opportunity for young minds. The Basketball Buddies Program is the perfect platform to activate unused courts, form teams, and create future champions.”

• Kerala Basketball Association President Shri Jacob Joseph :

“This is a historic initiative for basketball in Kerala. By working with Starting Five Sports Management, we aim to ensure that the sport reaches new schools and engages thousands of young players who may not have otherwise had the chance to play basketball.”

• Starting Five Sports Management Director Shri P.Jacob :

“Basketball Buddies is not just about sports; it’s about building communities and nurturing young talent. We are excited to work with KBA to bring this vision to life and make basketball accessible to schools across Kerala.”

Why Basketball Buddies Matters

• Grassroots Development: Activating unused courts and forming teams in non-basketball schools will expand Kerala’s basketball ecosystem.

• Holistic Growth: The program instills teamwork, discipline, and fitness in students, fostering their overall development.

• Building Kerala’s Legacy: This initiative strengthens Kerala’s position as a hub for basketball talent in India.

Call to Action for Schools

Kerala Basketball Association and Starting Five Sports Management invite all CBSE, ICSE, and State Board schools with or without basic basketball facilities to join the Basketball Buddies Program.

Why Join?

• Empower students with life skills through basketball.

• Build school pride with competitive basketball teams.

• Contribute to the growth of grassroots sports in Kerala.

Schools can express their interest by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) form

Event Launch and Outreach Activities

The program will officially launch in June 2025 with:

• Trainer Pool Creation & Development: Providing skill-enhancement opportunities for local basketball promoters / instructors through the “Train the Trainer” program.

• Community Engagement: Collaborating with parents, schools, and basketball enthusiasts to create a thriving basketball ecosystem.

Media Contact

For further information or inquiries:

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone: +91 81297 12671 ( Mr Vijay Kumar - Project Coordinator)

• Social Media: Follow @sfivehoops on Instagram and Facebook for regular updates.

About Kerala Basketball Association and Starting Five Sports Management

Kerala Basketball Association (KBA): The governing body for basketball in Kerala, committed to promoting the sport at all levels and fostering grassroots talent development.

Starting Five Sports Management: A dedicated organization focused on transforming basketball in Kerala through innovative programs, school collaborations, and community engagement initiatives.

Join the Basketball Buddies Program and help us shape the future of basketball in Kerala—one school, one team, and one young player at a time!