Read Our Testimonials
Cobras is teaching my 10 year old the value of team sport, the satisfaction of winning, how to cope with losing, how to work through difficult challenges, such as injury, how working hard at something reaps fantastic rewards, and also respect for team mates and coaches. It is an invaluable experience for him.
Cobras Basketball has really been a big part of each of my children’s development; physically, socially, mentally and emotionally. I have nothing but positive feedback as a parent. All of the coaches that we have had over the years have been so welcoming, friendly and patient with my children – especially when they were struggling to understand or master some skills or drills.
Coach Ruth is one of the kindest and most caring individuals on the planet – she really is. She has such a welcoming aura surrounding her and the children are instantly put at ease with her smile and friendliness. Ruth goes above and beyond to support the children in her care and works tirelessly to support others. In particular she supported my eldest with her Duke of Edinburgh award giving up her valuable time to help her to achieve her table officiating qualification.
Over the years I have seen Ruth take on multiple vulnerable students who have been let down by their friends, families, schools etc and she has taken them under her wing and supported them to build their resilience, self-esteem and confidence back up and helped them to take control of their lives through basketball. She really does have a heart of gold.
My son started with Cobras around 6mo ago. He has never been in to sport and we have struggled to find one that he enjoys. He is tall for his age and has experienced some challenges with other kids in school because of that. He started off training once per week but quickly moved to twice, he really enjoys the sessions and it has given him confidence as well as helping his fitness levels. I think this has also encouraged him to join in a bit more with others sports in school. The coaches have a great balance of discipline and motivation and the who community around Cobras is really friendly and supportive.
As a primary school supply teacher, parent of a secondary aged child, basketball fan & volunteer for another local club, the suggestion of an alternative provision based on basketball sounds like an extremely positive and much needed idea.
Children in the area are struggling in mainstream settings due to the outdated systems and expectations of the education system. Any provision that provides support for children when they need it most would be hugely beneficial.
Basketball has had a positive impact on myself (as a lone parent) and my child since the end of the pandemic as it has given us hope for a better future. It’s something we can talk about, enjoy watching as well as playing together. As our children grow we have to find new ways to spend time with them and connect – basketball has given us that. As well as being part of a community – full of positive role models. It gives us something to focus on mentally and has provided my son with a physical outlet and way to deal with day to day life. Which will last a lifetime!
We haven’t yet been involved with Cobras for much time but we have already heard great things about how it is run, the professionalism and organisation of the club. We have seen this briefly, during the NL trials; and my son is already looking forward to attending more sessions with Cobras.
Hi Ruth, I just wanted to say what a great idea for a basketball inspired Alternative Provision. I am an Occupational Therapist who works privately with lots of neurodiverse young people and this with mental health issues who can’t cope with mainstream education, They do so want to be learning and in education but there just aren’t enough appropriate provisions for them.