The Leicester Riders, the UK’s oldest professional basketball club, has recently announced a new partnership with Ygam. This collaboration aims to leverage the Riders’ extensive community programs, which reach nearly 20,000 young people across Leicester and the wider county. As part of their partnership, Ygam has been named Leicester Riders’ “Charity of the Year” for the 2024/25 season, alongside the Riders Foundation.
The main goal of this partnership is to raise awareness about the potential risks associated with gaming and gambling, especially within a sporting context. Recent data from the Gambling Commission reveals that 40% of 11 to 17-year-olds have had some gambling experience in the past year, with basketball showing one of the highest gambling participation rates for young adults aged 18-24 in the UK.
Throughout the season, the collaboration will include dedicated home games, awareness-raising events, and fundraising activities. In addition, all coaches and staff associated with the club will receive Ygam’s City & Guilds Assured CPD training to better equip them in addressing the issue of gaming and gambling risks.
In a statement regarding the partnership, Simon Winfield, Interim CEO of Leicester Riders, expressed his enthusiasm, saying: “We’re excited to be working with Ygam. We have a deep admiration for their efforts in promoting gaming and gambling awareness among the youth of today. The Riders organisation takes seriously its responsibility to the young people who have entrusted us with their futures, both at Charnwood College and Loughborough University. A large part of that responsibility is ensuring that they are well set up for life beyond the Riders. Through Ygam’s education on the potential risks and dangers associated with gaming and gambling, we are fulfilling our commitment to ensuring their well-being and long-term success.”
Sacha Kent, Programme Lead for Education, Sports, and Youth at Ygam, also expressed her excitement about the partnership, stating: “We are honoured to partner with Leicester Riders for the upcoming season and extend our reach within the sport of basketball.”
