Basketball king Michael Jordan had better watch out after a major drive to find the basketball stars of the future was launched in Bierley.

The initiative, spearheaded by Bierley Community Centre in Bierley House Avenue, hopes to encourage more youngsters to take up the sport and keep them out of trouble.

A basketball court was declared open by Bradford Lord Mayor, Councillor Tony Cairns, and youths flocked to enjoy the new attraction to the centre.

Sports development officer Talish Butt urged young people to take part.

"We are hoping when the hoops go up, the kids will get interested and want to play.

"We will also offer coaching and courses to become a qualified umpire," he said.

Mr Butt said the youngsters could use the sport to benefit from team-building exercises, improved confidence and it would also stop them from hanging around the streets.

Last summer he spearheaded a playscheme which was credited with reducing crime on the estate.

Figures released by Odsal Police show showed a sharp drop into offences such as car theft and burglaries.

"This will be the first dedicated pitch in this area and we have a commitment to introduce more people to the game," he said.

But some people fear the court will be vandalised.

Robert Simpson, 16. said he was keen to play. But he added: "It won't take long before those hoops come down."

The association made a bid for the basketball hoops under the Outdoor Basketball Initiative (OBI).

The scheme is backed by the English Basketball Association, sports equipment giant Adidas and the National Lottery.

A spokesman for the OBI said the scheme was to give free and open access to the sport.

"Many schools and organisations do not have the equipment and this is a way of redressing the balance," he said.

He added that since the scheme was launched a year ago it has become a real eye-opener.

"In some areas where they have been installed there has been a high level of participation," he said.

A number of Bradford schools have already taken up the offer including Eccleshill Upper School, Buttershaw Youth Centre, Road, and Hartington Middle School.

The community centre will be running a short course for those interested in coaching basketball and becoming a qualified umpire on March 2-3.

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