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Development and Organisation of Basketball in the UK
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Development and Organisation of Basketball in the UK
Introduction of Basketball in the UK
English Basketball League
Despite being invented in USA, basketball has a long in the UK. Basketball was first introduced into the UK in 1982 by the YMCA, shortly after it was initially created in the USA. The sport remained a local development until 1911 when a YMCA instructor introduced the sport to YMCA Birmingham, where the first team was assembled. Within the following months more teams began to form in the district and games were being played between them.
The English Basketball League (abbreviated as the EBL) is the second tier of competition in the UK after the BBL. The league was formed in 2003 to replace the National Basketball League. It currently manages many leagues, both male and female, and for a variety of age groups.
British Basketball League
The BBL (British Basketball League) is the UK's only premier and professional basketball league. The league was founded in 1987 and currently consists of 12 teams. The league currently holds two knockout competitions alongside the league competition. The BBL Cup and the BBL Trophy.
Impact of World War II
Organisation of Basketball in the UK
The sport of basketball went through further development during WWII. The game was adopted by the military and inter-service games and tournaments started to be played. However championship games played in England by already established teams were put on halt during the war. Like with the first World War, the American forces further helped the progression and development in Europe. The Americans introduced more complex rules which were dependent on strategy. The game of basketball would continue to grow and develop for the years following the War.
The current governing body of basketball in the UK is known as England Basketball. This organisation operates both the England Basketball League and the England national team. England Basketball also governs the UK's only professional basketball league, the BBL (British Basketball League.
England Basketball was founded in 1936, when it was known as the Amateur Basket Ball Association (ABBA).
The aims set out by the organisation are:
- To govern and enhance the sport of basketball in England.
- To encourage and enable people to participate in basketball regardless of their ability, age, gender, status, disability or ethnic background.
- To lift the performance and quality of basketball throughout England.
Impact of WWI on the Development
Inter-team games were being played up until 1914, where the outbreak of the first World War forced many men to leave their homes for France. This initially caused the development of the sport in the country to slow down. In 1917, with the arrival of American military personnel, British players were further introduced to the sport and the more advanced American rules. Many European countries started play the sport because of the American soldiers. Shortly after the war basketball was included as a demonstration game at the 1924 Olympics in Paris