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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.
It’s great to have a fitness based activity for myself rather than just for my children...

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.”
I've learnt how to think before I move and to always make sure you know your options before you make a choice...

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.
Not only has coach helped me with my confidence on the court, he has massively improved my life outside of basketball...

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.
As a single mum, it's great that the women's session is just before the kids session so I get some fun fitness in too...

The sessions have taught me how to control my anger and think straight so I can deal with situations properly...

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.
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...
COACH JOSH
FLAMES FOUNDER
Flames (originally Ever Better Sport) was created in 2013 by Waltham Forest resident Joshua Wehner, a former semi-professional basketball player and qualified coach — and a lifelong advocate of the benefits of sport.
Flames aim to make basketball accessible to all, regardless of ability, gender, age or background, and to challenge players physically within a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Joshua’s coaching style has attracted newcomers from across north and east London, largely thanks to word of mouth. Flames is currently registering as a Community Interest Company and planning a new phase of growth to ensure even more people can join in.

OUR SESSIONS
Our under 19s sessions help young people to keep active and stick with sport alongside study and exam pressures, or for those out of education, to stay motivated and sociable. Many young players say the game is an outlet for frustration and anger, while some have got their first job interviews and job offer through introductions and mentoring provided by Flames.
Our women’s sessions aim to address the lack of competitive sports clubs providing for women and to reverse the tendency of girls to drop sport as they get older. Training is scheduled just before our under 12s sessions, allowing mums to come to Flames with their children if they want to.
The under 12s sessions bring kids together from diverse backgrounds to enjoy a fun team game while teaching valuable skills in communication, focus, and discipline.

ON COURT
Our teams have done great things so far:
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3 years of regular basketball training, currently offering three weekly sessions
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600 players involved in at least one session
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100+ irregular regulars & regulars players attending regularly
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20+ young people gained coaching qualifications and at least 80% of our under 19s have led younger groups and coached under supervision
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5 pop-up workshops at local events
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Collaborating with other local groups and organisations

OFF COURT
Flames is much more than playing ball. Here are some other things we’re proud of:
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Bringing 120 members to watch major competitions
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Helping regenerate public space (upgrading disused basketball courts) and providing input to local councilors
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Assisting 12 young people to get a first job interview, with 10 hired as a result