NEWFORGE SPORT COMPLEX, Belfast, Northern Ireland — The largest She Got Game Blitz to date took place at Newforge Sports Complex, bringing together eight teams from across the region in a powerful celebration of participation, inclusion, and the continued growth of women and girls’ basketball.
Delivered in partnership with Sport Northern Ireland through National Lottery funding, alongside Basketball Ireland’s Socia-Ball programme and the FIBA Basketball for Good initiative, the event aligned closely with Sport NI’s “Be Seen, Be Heard, Belong” campaign—creating a welcoming and empowering environment for all participants.
Teams in attendance included Newry Fliers, Phoenix Basketball, Belfast Bulls, Tyrone Towers (two teams), Northstar Basketball, Magherafelt Titans Basketball, and Queens Basketball. The event format prioritised participation and development, with no scores recorded in line with Socia-Ball principles, allowing players to focus on enjoyment, confidence-building, and skill progression.
Games were structured based on experience levels, ensuring a supportive and balanced environment across all fixtures. Referees guided gameplay with an emphasis on learning, while coaches worked closely with organisers to ensure each player had the opportunity to contribute and develop.
Throughout the evening, the impact of the programme was clear. Players demonstrated growing confidence, stronger communication, and a willingness to engage fully in the game, many taking key steps forward in their basketball journeys.
Lauren McCullough, Club Engagement and Female Particaption Officer at BNI said:
“This event represents exactly what She Got Game is about—creating inclusive, accessible opportunities for women and girls to participate in basketball. Each of the women have their own journey in the sport of basketball from beginners to returners to the game.
The growth we are seeing, both in numbers and confidence, is a direct reflection of the commitment from clubs, partners, and the players themselves.”
To recognise these efforts, each team nominated a Most Valuable Effort player, celebrating attitude, commitment, and resilience. These awards were presented by Jim Fitzpatrick of The Sober Irish, reinforcing the event’s focus on positive values and community.
Marc Mulholland, Vice Chair of Basketball NI thanked Jim Fitzpatrick, Sport NI and the FIBA Foundation;
“I want to thank Jim Fitzpatrick and The Sober Irish for his support of the evening. The Most Valuable Effort awards are simply a great way to mark, not only the efforts these players put in on the evening but their involvement in their local programmes.
With the support of Sport NI the She Got Game programme continues to expand across Northern Ireland, providing a great environment, structured basketball, welcoming opportunities for women and girls of all experience levels to get involved in basketball, build confidence, and feel part of a wider community.
We are also grateful to the FIBA Foundation for supplying “Basketball for Good” balls to these groups to help keep them playing and involved in our great sport of basketball.”
Basketball NI looks forward to continuing to grow this programme in the wider basketball community.
