Junior Sharks History
Sheffield Junior Sharks Basketball Club, previously named Sheffield Junior Forgers, was formed in 1995. Since its inception the club has produced over 400 players who are either, still playing for Junior Sharks or playing for other clubs and Universities throughout the country. Junior Sharks regularly increases its membership base by attracting players from all over the region including Rotherham, Wakefield, Hull, York, Leeds, Bradford and Birmingham, has local league and National league teams, goes on annual international trips, hosts regular international tournaments and has great communications and links with Schools, Universities and other clubs in the area such as Sheffield Sharks (BBL), Sheffield Sabres, Sheffield Saints and Sheffield Hatters. The club is deeply involved in all levels of Basketball and works from local to national level.
Our coaches are widely respected and recognised for producing skilful players who have the ability to adapt to other coaches and their coaching styles. The players have good attitudes, which gives them the essential temperament to cope with the pressures of fierce competition and are encouraged to get involved in off-court activities, becoming qualified as Table Ofiicials and Referees. Some have even gone on to become coaches within the club themselves. This approach has produced over 150 players representing Yorkshire with 34 progressing to International standard at varying age groups levels. The Club has sent several talented players overseas to play in Spain and the U.S.A and currently has 3 players in the United States playing at the High School and College Level.
The club is regularly ranked in the top four on a national level, winning over 30 Division Titles, reaching a total of 37 RAF Final 4s on its way to 3 National Championships and 2 SureShot National Cups. In 2007 the club made history by qualifying for the national Final Fours at each of the five age groups; U13, U14, U15, U16 & U18.
In May 2008 the hard work of the club’s players, coaches and volunteers paid off when Sheffield Jnr Sharks were awarded the prestigious Sport England ClubMark Award and England Basketball 3 Star club status. England Basketball's Clubmark Assessor, Craig Costello, stated: "The continual success of the Sharks on the court gives the impression of a well structured and soundly run club. This was completely backed up and enhanced by their Clubmark application, which made it clear that the club is doing all the right things to create a welcoming and positive environment."
Matt Baird, England Basketball's Club Development Officer said: "Sheffield Junior Sharks are a club with an important tradition of performing to extremely high standards both on and off the court. The award of Clubmark highlights the achievements of the volunteers, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make the club what it is today."
It is pleasing to record that our programme continues to assist the process of turning out good citizens who are actively involved in useful, purposeful activity. Many of them have become coaches, referees and table officials continuing the process that they became involved in at a very tender age.
