Shanice Beckford-Norton hopes continued WBBL growth can inspire next generation

London Lions captain Shanice Beckford-Norton believes the continued growth of the Women’s British Basketball League can help to inspire the next generation seeking to make an impact in leadership roles within the sport.

Research commissioned by the Lions revealed that 39 per cent of those surveyed from ethnic minorities feel progressing in a sport, either at player or management level, is not attractive as there are no role models for them to look up to.

Part of the study, which was across a nationally representative cohort of 2,090 respondents, also showed 47 per cent of people from ethnic minorities would consider new sports if they felt their culture was represented within them.

Beckford-Norton was named the MVP in last season’s WBBL play-off final triumph and helped the Lions go on to advance through to the second-round group stage of the 2021/2022 FIBA EuroCup.

The 24-year-old actively fronts community programmes which she hopes help demonstrate just what can be achieved in the sport, no matter your ethnic background.

“I ran a camp last summer and made it a point to have black female coaches at the camp, so those kids who may not see enough people like them in those leading positions can see that they can get involved as well,” Beckford-Norton told the PA news agency.

“Having female coaches in general is a huge part – and we are doing a much better job in getting them involved in the game.

“You have Lauren Milligan now coaching at Oaklands (Wolves), her taking up that role was huge. She knows how important it is that young girls have a female to look up to.

“With the WBBL, the growth it has made now, with teams, and also the WEABL (Women’s Elite Academy Basketball League) clubs, all over the country, there is