16 year-old Jessica Eadsforth -Yates from Reddish is the latest Stockport youngster making her mark on the world of basketball and will be making her debut for England U16s against Sweden this month, thanks to both John Amaechi’s Basketball Centre and LifeLEISURE’S David Hopkins Foundation.
Left: Jessica Eadsforth-Yates centre with the ball
Jessica is one of a new generation of wannabe ‘Harlem Globetrotters’ emerging from the Amaechi Basketball Centre in Whalley Range who look set to put Stockport on the basketball map over the coming season.
Jessica’s England call-up follows her being named the ‘most valuable player’ when her team, the Manchester Mystics, won the National Championships in Sheffield in May. Having been selected to play at national league level for the Manchester Mystics at just 10 years old, Jessica went on to captain a winning Northwest Squad in 2012 and then was scouted by Basketball England to train with the Under 15 England Development squad.
Proud Mum Kelly says that her daughter is a credit to all young athletes and works extremely hard to achieve her goals,
“Jessica pushes herself really hard, taking on extra coaching and training wherever she can. Her dream is to play for Team GB and to gain a sport scholarship abroad.”
However, the cost of making a young athlete’s dream come true can often be beyond many families reach and Kelly is keen to acknowledge the financial support that they have received from the Life Leisure David Hopkins Foundation to help them on their journey.
“Training camps, training sessions, kit and travel are just a few of the things that put huge pressure on the family budget. The David Hopkins Foundation has helped us to support Jessica every step of the way and we hope that she will go to achieve her full potential.”
The David Hopkins Foundation is a fund supported by staff at Stockport’s Life Leisure facilities who raise money through fundraising events to help people in Stockport to participate in their chosen sport or physical activity.
Jessica’s family applied to the David Hopkins Foundation for a contribution.
Mandy Waller from the Life Leisure David Hopkins Foundation said:
“Jessica is an excellent example of the difference that support from the David Hopkins Foundation makes. Young talent should not be stifled by a lack of funding and it can be very hard for families to meet the extraordinary expenses that they suddenly find themselves having to find. Jessica is doing great things and is an excellent role model for young female athletes. We wish her continued success.”
The Foundation accepts applications from individuals living in Stockport or registered charities or clubs that are based in the Stockport Borough for amounts up to £500 for individuals and £1,000 for clubs.
If you would like to apply for funding for your activity or project from the David Hopkins Foundation please visit lifeleisure.net/enterprise/charity or call 0161 482 0900.