BCBC’s Community Impact Spotlighted on BBC Radio WM

Black Country Basketball Club founder and chairman Ausly Akedika has shared the club’s impact on the local community during an interview with BBC Radio WM, highlighting how basketball can change lives and why funding is vital to keeping opportunities accessible. During the interview, Ausly spoke about the role BCBC plays in helping young people and vulnerable adults stay active, build confidence and build meaningful connections through sport. He also highlighted the importance of grant funding in supporting the club’s work, helping to cover essential costs such as venue hire and equipment. This support enables BCBC to continue creating opportunities for people across the community to get involved in basketball. From Shy Beginner to National League Player One of the most powerful examples shared during the interview was the journey of a young player who joined the club at just 13 years old. Initially shy and lacking confidence, the player has since developed to represent BCBC at National League level with the Under-16 team. His journey demonstrates how basketball can provide more than just a sporting opportunity — it can help young people grow in confidence, develop their skills and discover what they are capable of achieving. Stories like this reflect the pathway BCBC is working to build: from taking part in community basketball to competing at a national level, while supporting personal development along the way. The Importance of Community Support The interview also highlighted the contribution of BBC Children in Need, whose support helps BCBC continue its work with young people and make basketball opportunities available within the community. Ausly expressed his gratitude to everyone who donates to BBC Children in Need, recognising the difference their generosity makes to organisations like BCBC and the people they support. For community clubs, funding can make a significant difference. It helps provide the facilities, equipment and opportunities needed to create an environment where people can participate, develop and feel part of something positive. Building More Opportunities Through Basketball At Black Country Basketball Club, our ambition extends beyond what happens on the court. We want to create an environment where people of different backgrounds and abilities can connect through basketball, build confidence and access opportunities to develop both as players and as individuals. We are proud to see the work taking place across our club recognised and to share the stories of the people whose lives are being positively influenced by the opportunities basketball can provide. BCBC would like to thank BBC Radio WM for giving us the opportunity to share our story, BBC Children in Need and its donors for their support, and all our coaches, volunteers, members and supporters who continue to make our work possible. Together, we are building more than a basketball club — we are building opportunities for our community.