Where To Play Basketball Near Me

The sport of basketball in the United Kingdom has become one of the most popular social sporting activities played in urban cities. The popularity of the American league NBA has made its way trans-atlantic and inspired many in Britain to go out and play basketball with their friends. 

While basketball courts have been around in high school playgrounds for decades now, since the London Olympic games in 2012, there has been a notable spike in the popularity of the sport. According to Basketball England, 1 in 4 teenagers in the UK play basketball each month.

With over 300,000 people participating in Basketball twice a month, this figure is continuing to increase. On a competitive level in recent years, new league structures have been formed with the National Basketball League and Women’s Elite Academy Basketball League. 26% of those that play basketball regularly are female, which has dramatically increased in the last 5 years.

Basketball facilities and basketball courts are continuing to improve due to the demand of competitive leagues and the accessibility to play basketball throughout the UK is now the best it has ever been. 

We have put together a list of the best places you can play basketball in London, Manchester, Dublin as well as the rest of the UK.

 Where to play basketball in London 

 Basketball is played in London more than any other part of the UK and it is no surprise that there are many high-quality basketball courts available to hire in London. Somers Town Community Centre is just by Kings Cross station and a great place to shoot some hoops after work, open Monday to Friday from 3pm. 

Another basketball venue in London worth checking out is Finsbury Leisure Centre, which boasts another fantastic sports hall catering for a range of different sports – this is one of the most popular places to play basketball in London and is open from dawn till dusk during the week, perfect for a game before or after work.

Globe Academy is another great spot to play Basketball, a short walk from Elephant & Castle tube station, the venue offers great changing rooms and free parking on site. Open from 6pm-10pm during the week and from 9am-6pm on weekends.

Where to play basketball in Manchester

Home to the Manchester Giants, the city takes basketball very seriously! In terms of basketball courts, there are some gems around the city including Oasis Academy MediaCityUK, which is based in Ordsall. A great facility that accommodates for a wide variety of sports, basketball being one of the most popular sports played here. The courts are available from 8am-10pm on Monday to Saturday so no excuses for not getting your lay-up practise in.

Abraham Moss Community School is a great outdoor choice to play Basketball in the sunshine. The courts are a well-maintained hard (macadam) surface with well-crafted backboards. With great changing room facilities, a simple pay as you play system, this venue is just a short walk from Abraham Moss tram stop and open from 6pm-10pm during the week.

Where to play basketball in the rest of the UK

There are many great courts located around the UK outside of these cities to play Basketball. In St Albans, Hertfordshire – Beaumont School offers superb facilities on a pay as you play basis. A great choice for the casual player, but if you’re looking to get involved with a competitive team, this venue welcomes teams to play their home fixtures here.

Nescot College is a great option to play basketball in Surrey, situated in the north side of Epsom, just a short walk from Ewell East train station, the basketball courts here are open from 3pm-10pm every weekday and open from 9am-3pm on weekends.

Where to play basketball in Dublin

Those that live near Dublin are not short of great facilities to play Basketball. Inspire Fitness Centre is a great example of this. Located on the north side of the city, the venue offers great changing rooms and an indoor sports hall perfect for a casual game with friends. 

Another great place to play basketball in Dublin is Corduff Sports Centre, a great venue for a range of sports, in particular, the basketball facilities are a great space to play a casual game as well as a competitive basketball game.