From hoopin in the park to a ballin club
Kings Heath Park, 2020. Lockdowns, unknown futures, isolation and worry. Basketball was the escape. As the rules loosened, the courts began to see some regular faces. This small group slowly grew into something, though we weren’t sure what yet. All we knew was that basketball had given us a chance to get out, move our bodies and feel connected to our community again. As we threw up shot after shot, the clang of the ball against the park hoops became our signature, and so our team’s name was born…
Clangers have evolved from a weekly meet-up in the park to the Kings Heath Community Basketball Club, a thriving and supportive club that is only growing. After winning the WMBL Division 3 league and the Rose Bowl Cup 2023 in the men’s inaugural season, the Clangers finished last season (only their second as a fully formed team) winning both the WMBL Division 2 title and the Division 2 Playoff Cup. They are working hard this season as they face new opposition in the WMBL Division 1 rotation.
The team continue to be a great example to our growing youth program. We are incredibly proud to have an under 14s and under 17s junior men’s squad that have been able to thrive with the amazing support of their parents and coaches. This year we are excited to have entered a youth team into the league and it has been a joy seeing players step up to the opportunity with passion, drive and talent. The development and empowerment of our youth community is foundational to the ethos of our club and we know that this is only the beginning for our players.
In Summer 2024 we also formed our women’s squad and we have built an encouraging and fun community that welcomes all. From experienced players to new starters wanting to give it a try and make some new friends, we are a team for everyone. This season has also been a big opportunity for our women’s squad as they have also entered a team into the league for the first time. With many players having never played n officiated game before, we have been amazing and inspired watching them tackle their opponents head on, and winning their fair share of face-offs!
In September we also organised our first community facing event Basketball in the Park. It was a huge success and I am sure we saw many of you there. Amazing basketball, great food and even better company. The sense of togetherness was infectious and we are excited for our next endeavour, whatever that may be.
2025 has seen enormous growth across the club and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributes their time, energy and joy to making our club not only a place of basketball, but a hub of community.