RAF Careers are the major sponsors of youth basketball in this country -- and have given a major boost to Swifts Basketball Club.

The Royal Air Force's recruitment wing have renewed their contract with Swifts and have now included an under-14 competition.

Earning their wings - Swifts Basketball Club have benefitted from two donations from the RAF and are seen collecting their cheques totalling £600 from Sgt Mark Maybury, of the RAF Careers Information Service Picture: DAVE HENDERSON

RAF Careers make financial awards to clubs that show a development plan for promoting youth basketball.

Swifts' award was towards the formation of a girls' under-14 team and a boys' cadet team, as well as the continuing work with cadet and junior girls.

"The RAF sponsorship is a tremendous help to the club," said Swifts chairman Paul May, whose club is based at Greensward College, Hockley.

"It is extremely expensive to run a programme that has five teams playing in national competition and the RAF contribution makes a real difference."

Published Tuesday, January 28, 2003

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