BASKETBALL has always been popular in Trafford, but this summer has seen the game taken outside, away from the traditional indoor courts.

Trafford MBC and the English Basketball Association, in conjuction with Adidas, have provided a total of 20 Bastetball posts to the Trafford area in the past year with even more to come.

Trafford Sportd Development Section have been running 3-on-3 competitions throughout the summer on Wednesday afternoons.

The first tournament, at Seymour Park saw 10 teams compete in U13 and U16 competitions.

Other venues included Moor Nook Park, Sale and Stamford Park, Altrincham, all of which were a great success.

Each game was fiercely contested, but as one competitor summed up the events saying "we don't come to win but it's just nice to have something like this to do during the holidays."

Three Peat were the undisputed Champions in the U16s competition with Killers winning the U13s and Flixton Flyers winning the girls tournament.

All the winners received an Adidas Outdoor Basketball and tickets for Manchester Giants first home match of the season.

More tournaments are planned for the future so keep a look out at your local court.

For more information on the Outdoor Basketball Initiative contact Avril Saunders at Trafford Sports Development on 912 3547.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.