11 March 2025
On Sunday, March 9th, the Black Prince Trust (BPT), in partnership with Basketball England, made history with the launch of the Muslim-friendly 3×3 Women’s League. Initially planned for just 10 teams, the overwhelming demand saw 24 teams registered, bringing together 144 players for an action-packed day of basketball.
Running from March to October, the league will host monthly matchdays, with teams competing for the championship title in October. The opening games tipped off on the Jordan Court, but due to the impressive turnout, they were moved to the Regal Court, further enhancing the atmosphere, and creating a truly memorable experience for the female basketball community.
The event opened with a presentation led by Marvin Ambrosius, BPT’s Basketball Development Officer, who created the league, alongside Kaity, Programmes and Partnerships Manager, and Patricia Fairclough, Chair of Basketball England’s London Region. They set the tone for the day, highlighting the importance of this initiative and its role in expanding opportunities for female players.
This ground-breaking initiative marks a significant milestone as the first league of its kind to be officially supported by Basketball England, the UK’s highest governing body for basketball. The league not only provides a platform for women and girls to compete but also supports the professional development of female referees, coaches, and officials, reinforcing a more inclusive pathway within the sport.
A League for Women, Led by Women
The launch event also served as a celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD), with a series of keynote addresses from some of the most influential women in London basketball, including:
- Patricia Fairclough OBE – Chair of Basketball England’s London Region
- Caroline Charles – Founder & Owner of Newham Youngbloods
- Gabbi Boateng – National Basketball League & Super League Basketball Referee
- Ruth Eytle – London All Stars Coach
- Lisa Williams – 2024 Coach Developer of the Year
- D’andri St Marthe – London Lions Coach
Each speaker shared their journey, inspiring the next generation of players, coaches, and officials by highlighting the limitless opportunities for women in basketball.
With the league set to run on the second Sunday of every month, we anticipate continued growth and excitement as teams battle for the inaugural 3×3 Women’s League championship. The Black Prince Trust remains committed to empowering female athletes and creating inclusive basketball opportunities, and we look forward to building on this incredible momentum in the months ahead.
