Young people across Merseyside are being encouraged to showcase their sporting skills as the UK’s biggest, free 3×3 basketball tournament returns to hold court in Chavasse Park at Liverpool ONE this half term.
The brainchild of the Toxteth El8te CIC, the LVP 3×3 Tournament is funded by Merseyside’s Violence Reduction Partnership (MVRP) as part of their work to offer safe, positive, healthy opportunities for young people across Merseyside.
Supported by Liverpool ONE, it’s the second year the tournament has run and follows on from a hugely successful event last August when more than 200 young people descended on a purpose-built court installed on Chavasse Park, with many more cheering on from the sidelines.
This year’s event, which runs from Friday 31st May to Sunday 2nd June, will offer free open coaching and mentoring sessions each day from 10am to 12noon, focused on encouraging more young people to give basketball a try and giving them the opportunity to put their skills to the test.
Then in the afternoons, between 12noon and 8pm, more than 60 3X3 teams will jump ball, vying against each other to reach the grand final on Sunday afternoon.
Three v Three is the basketball equivalent of football’s five-a-side.
Toxteth El8te’s Emile Coleman said:
“After a hugely successful inaugural event last year, we’re delighted to bring back the LVP 3×3 for another year at Liverpool ONE.
“This year we have had an unprecedented number of sign up’s, filling all the team brackets within 10 days. The support of both the Merseyside VRP and Liverpool ONE, alongside Toxteth El8te have funded the event to make it even bigger and better this year. LVP 3×3 is the biggest free 3×3 tournament in the UK and we are proud to be able to have it here in Liverpool ONE.”
Debi McAndrew, Early Years Education Lead for the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership, said:
“We’re delighted to support Toxteth El8e as they take their LVP 3×3 tournament centre stage on Chavasse Park for the second year running.
“Engaging young people is vital if we want to help them reach their full potential and prevent them getting involved in activities which could take them down the wrong path or lead to harm to themselves or others.
“By funding brilliant free opportunities like this for young people across our region, we are investing in their futures – helping to improve their health, confidence, and resilience while keeping them safe.”
Iain Finlayson, estate director at Liverpool ONE, said:
“Following last year’s inaugural LVP3X3 tournament, and the clear positive impact it had on young people in our community, we’re delighted that the event once again returns to Liverpool ONE.
“Offering our support for initiatives like this one, that invest in young people’s futures and offers them the chance to try new and exciting activities, aligns with our endeavours to make a difference in our communities.
“Grassroots sports organisations like Toxteth El8te are essential to bringing young people together and, in turn, making a positive impact on their confidence and mental health, and we’re proud to host them here at Liverpool ONE.”
As well as the MVRP, the tournament has been supported by Liverpool ONE, Concordia Clinic, Wedge Collective, Nothin About The Music and Elite Portal.
To register, please visit the website here.
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