AROUND 60 children from Clydebank were channelling superstar Michael Jordan by taking part in a programme funded by the National Basketball Association (NBA).

The Junior NBA League, run in partnership with basketballscotland, takes place over five weeks and is divided into two conferences (east and west) and six divisions. The top eight teams then meet in the league championship to determine the Jr. NBA basketballscotland league champion.

Led by Glasgow Fever Basketball Club, pupils from primary six and seven from five local schools represented a side from the NBA as they went head-to-head.

The teams were: Clydemuir (Denver Nuggets), Goldenhill (Oklahoma City Thunder), Kilbowie (Utah Jazz), St Stephen’s (Minnesota Timberwolves), and Whitecrook (Portland Trailblazers).

As well as matches played each Wednesday, practice sessions are also set up in schools to help keep children active.

Andy McKay, Active Schools manager, said: “Basketball has been a growing sport in Clydebank for the last five years through the Active Schools and Glasgow Fever basketball club partnership.

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“We hope having the Jr. NBA will continue to raise the profile of basketball within our community, as well as encouraging more children to try and love the sport.”

Derek O’Riordan, basketballscotland’s head of education and development, said: “Basketballscotland are both humbled and excited by the opportunity to partner with the NBA to deliver their Jr. NBA programme here in Scotland. The team is looking forward to engaging with local kids who will benefit from this inspiring programme.”