Forres Academy student Cole Ryan organises new basketball sessions for teenagers at Forres House Community Centre

A LOCAL lad has started a basketball club in Forres.

Cole Ryan (16) has enjoyed the sport since he first took part as a pupil at Anderson’s Primary School but opportunities to play locally have been few and far between since.

The Forres Academy student said: “In the summer, we would cycle to Kinloss and use the outside courts but people my age often had to go to Elgin or Inverness to play regularly. Quite a few of my mates wanted to play but none of us could go through to another town every week so I decided to set up a team in Forres.”

Cole initially booked an evening session at Forres House Community Centre, attended by more than 15 people, including girls.

He said: “We had a great time but unfortunately the centre was otherwise fully booked until April. I then had a meeting with Paul Rogan and Rosalyn Carruthers from Active Schools who were very encouraging. With their help, we now have a weekly slot at Forres Academy and, because it’s Active Schools, there’s no charge!”

Forres Basketball Club meets every Friday from 5.30-7pm in the school games hall for training and games.

For more information contact Active Schools at sports.development@moray.gov.uk or on 07966 120518.

Active Schools coordinator Rosalyn Carruthers confirmed there is a growing demand for basketball in Forres - there are also sessions for S1-S6 players from 6-6.50pm and P4-7 sessions from 7-7.50pm on Thursday nights.

She said: "The secondary school session is predominately attended by S1-S3 pupils so Cole got in touch to say he knew a number of S4-S6 pupils who were keen to have a one suited for this older age group.

"He was struggling to find indoor space for them to train and play games. We secured this in partnership with Forres Academy.

"We are really impressed by Cole’s drive and his ongoing communication with us. His fellow students made getting these sessions up-and-running very easy."