I have played basketball for a number of years, from school level up to semi professional ladies basketball club. Since having four children and working full time as a criminal defence solicitor it has been difficult for me to find the time to continue with this sport.

When my eldest child started playing at a local youth centre with Joshua, the coach I was informed of the ladies session he was doing that ran either before the kids session or after and this fitted in with my schedule. This then kick started me to get back into the sport I have always loved to play.

I am a competitive player and when I take part I always want to do my best. I have found that attending these sessions has increased my fitness. It has also allowed me to get the discipline back into my life in order and to allow me to try and fit in fitness activities for myself rather than just for my children. These sessions are very important to me and I make it a priority to get to these sessions on a weekly basis as coach will make sure you have an enjoyable session.

From attending these sessions great friendships have been formed with a number of women that attend. The great thing about these sessions is that it is of mixed abilities. The one thing that I have noticed is regardless of the abilities at the end of the session every one has always said they have had fun and enjoyed the session regardless of their abilities.

I go to Flames basketball sessions because I'm good at basketball and I like the sport.

I like basketball because helps you in life with things such as health, fitness and how to work in a team. I'm fitter, I’ve gained control of my temper and got a six pack. I've learnt how to think before I move and to always make sure you know your options before you make a choice. I've been playing basketball for 3 years. Coach is a good coach and he always tries to help out with whatever he can. He always says “You might not be a great basketball player when I teach you but you will be in shape.”

Ive been playing basketball for around 6 years now and two of them at Waltham Forest flames. Not only has coach helped me with my confidence on the court (which was the only thing holding me back) he has massively improved my life outside of basketball.

He's helped several team members, including myself, by putting us forward for a job at Nando’s. I've been working there for the past year, and have already been nandoca (employee) of the month. Having this job has enabled me to do whatever I want and and get what I want without relying on my mum for money which has made it a lot easier for both of us. Joining this team was one of the best things that I've done.

My son is a big NBA fan and as an 8-year-old he has a lot of energy to burn, but he's not much of a listener: he doesn't take instruction well. So it's been a delight seeing him hang on Josh's every word and take basketball training, as well as playing, so seriously.

Meanwhile for me as a single mum it's great that the women's session is just before it so I get some fun fitness in too.

I go to Flames basketball sessions because I love basketball, it's my dream, it helps with my anger and helps me to think. I've gained strength, experience and intelligence. I've learnt how to control my anger and think straight so I can deal with situations properly. You should join because it's fun fitness and you gain without pain.

Walthamstow Flames was a huge turning point in my life. At the time I met coach Josh I was in some dark times, isolated, depressed, out of shape and not knowing what to do. Then one day I was playing basketball with a few friends when Josh came along telling us about sessions that he was starting and said we should come along. At the time we didn't take it too seriously and challenged him and someone else to a match. Josh swiftly taught us a lesson I still haven't forgotten and then showed us how to better play then game.

Shortly after this day I got hit by a car leaving me unable to play for around a year. However Josh gave me a place I could go to recover and spend free time while meeting new people. This gave kept me away from any previous trouble I had and brought me out of a bad place in my life. This also gave me motivation to work harder in school and work and for that I will always be grateful.

Through this club, I was able to get a coaching qualification. This has helped me with my leadership skills which I can translate to other areas of life. In my opinion without the funding this club needs and deserves it would be a great loss to me and the community of the area to lose such a inspirational and kind man.