Gina’s a high flier at basketball

ON the ball . . . Gina with RAF Manchester careers officer Barry Fulton

Aspiring basketball player Gina Brierley took her ball skills to new heights — with the Royal Air Force.

Gina (11), of Chadderton, took part in an RAF basketball camp in Whalley Range to hone her skills. The RAF are sponsors of the England Basketball National Junior Leagues.

Gina, a pupil at Mills Hill Primary School in Chadderton, said: “The basketball camp has been lots of fun, I loved the fitness regime with the RAF and being put through my paces, in particular the boxing and running!”

Gina, pictured with RAF Manchester careers officer Barry Fulton, was among players aged from 13 to 18 from the Manchester Magic team.

They were given expert tuition from England coaches and the RAF Motivational Outreach Team on how to improve their skills both on and off the court.

Specialist coaches from the England Basketball League (EBL) provided sound advice to the teenagers as they trained.

Players also learned about motivation, team-building and making the most of their talent — all key elements of the RAF lifestyle. The day-long programme culminated in group games.

Group Captain Gordon Bruce, head of recruiting for the RAF, added: “These camps provide a fantastic opportunity for young players to brush up on their basketball skills, learning from renowned basketball coaches, and are also a great way to occupy them during half-term.”