The inaugural Hoops for All Youth Camp ended on a high note on Sunday, July 19, 2026, after three days of intensive training, mentorship, and competition that brought together 50 young basketball enthusiasts at the SSNIT Basketball Court in Sunyani.

Organised by Xcel Basketball Academy in partnership with the Ghana Basketball Association, the National Sports Authority (Bono Region), and the GSP Basketball League, the camp provided a unique platform for aspiring players to sharpen their skills, gain exposure to different aspects of the game, and learn from some of Ghana's leading basketball professionals.

The programme attracted 50 participants, including 40 males and 10 females, aged between seven and twenty.

Beyond on-court drills and competitive scrimmages, participants benefited from tactical sessions, officiating clinics, media training, and educational talks designed to develop both their basketball abilities and personal growth.

The camp featured an experienced team of facilitators, including FIBA referee Martin Mmieh; National Team 3x3 Head Coach and FIBA 3x3 Coordinator Coach Jay 1; University of Ghana Basketball Team Head Coach Eric Ankamah; and Clifford Boateng, Head of Media for the Ghana Basketball Federation (GBF).

By the close of the camp, participants had enhanced their technical skills, strengthened their understanding of teamwork and discipline, and gained renewed motivation to pursue basketball at higher levels.

Speaking after the event, FIBA referee Martin Mmieh said: “The goal is to get at least five young athletes to join the refereeing pool in Ghana to bring new faces into the system in the near future.”

Mr Eric Ankamah, in an interview with Joshua Kwadwo Kyere of Sky FM in Sunyani, expressed delight at the passion shown by the young children. He emphasised the importance of developing players from an early age, noting that young athletes have the potential to compete professionally when given quality coaching.

“We need a national basketball strategy that all academies in the country will adopt to streamline the development of the sport,” he said.

Coach Jay 1, who also serves as the national 3x3 coach and founder of Icons Basketball Academy, said the enthusiasm for basketball in Sunyani remains strong.

Reflecting on his return to the city after participating in a similar camp two years ago, he noted: “Some players travelled all the way from the Ahafo Region to be part of the camp. This clearly shows the desire to play basketball. We are therefore appealing to corporate bodies and other stakeholders to support basketball in the region by building more community courts and backing such camps.”

Coach Tony of Xcel Basketball Academy, the event's organisers, expressed satisfaction with the turnout and the quality of talent on display.

“We set out to make basketball accessible and developmental for all, and this camp delivered exactly that,” he said.

The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to all 50 participants, marking the successful end of what organisers hope will become an annual youth basketball development programme in Sunyani and a catalyst for nurturing the region's next generation of basketball talent.