Brixton wheelchair basketball coach celebrated as club reaches 10 years of success

By Claudia Lee

A basketball coach has been recognised for his incredible work with young athletes in the Lambeth area.

Percy Hutchful, of the Brixton Ballers, has worked with young people to develop life skills and socialisation through his beloved sport for the past decade.

In celebration of Black History Month, Mr Hutchful was recognised by British Wheelchair Basketball. He reflected on his work promoting inclusive physical activity opportunities through sport and how this has aided in bringing a community together.

Mr Hutchful said: “One of the highlights of my life was the National Junior Championships and the School Games, which to me are two of the biggest events in wheelchair basketball in this country.

“To have been nominated and to successfully coach teams within those environments means a hell of a lot to me – it really does.

“It allowed me to grow as an individual, see what the peak looks like, and how I could contribute further to the development of young people.”

During lockdown Mr Hutchful’s sessions moved on to Zoom, when him and the team would sit and talk about what was happening and how it would feel to get back out on to the court.

These Zoom sessions allowed Brixton Ballers, who train at the Brixton Recreation Centre in Brixton Station Road, to stay in touch with their coach on a personal level and on a professional level.

Mr Hutchful was a torchbearer in the 2012 relay ahead of the Olympic Games and has devoted his life to delivering sessions and ensuring everyone has access to sport regardless of race, disability or gender.

To find your local wheelchair basketball club near you, visit: https://britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk/get-involved/play/club-finder/

Pictured top: Percy Hutchful gives a training session (Picture: Brixton Ballers)