Formation of the Club

The club was formed in early 1998 by Moray Finch and Nigel Clack, both experienced players from leagues elsewhere around the UK. Thirsk was without a club of any description although the comprehensive school had strong teams at each age group who achieved success in school and area competitions. The club was formed after discussions with Matt Messias, Head of PE and Bill Charlton, Head of Community Education at Thirsk School confirmed the need to provide the opportunity for talented youngsters to continue playing Basketball in Thirsk after leaving school.

Constitution

An important requirement of any club foundation is a written constitution describing the aims and objectives of the club. Here is ours:-

Aims and Objectives.

The aims of TVBBC are:

1. To provide opportunity for players of all ages to play competitive basketball.
2. To provide a forum for developing basketball skills beyond those achieved within the 'normal' school system.
3. To develop the game of basketball in the Thirsk area, to enhance opportunities which are not currently available.
4. To develop a club initially based around a senior team, playing in the Tees-side league, with a junior team playing in the U-17 division of the same league.
5. To equip young players with the skills and knowledge not only to play the game but to coach and referee thereby ensuring that the game develops comprehensively.

The Club Officers.

The club will be open to members of the public with an annual membership subscription payable to the club. The club will be run by a committee elected by the members.

The principle positions will be :

Chairman

Secretary

Treasurer

Community Education Liaison Officer

School Liaison Officer

The officers will ensure that all the required duties of the club are fulfilled, particularly with regard to national registration with the English Basketball Association (EBBA), Tees-side Area Basketball Association (TABA) and liaison with the Thirsk Community Education Committee.

Club Finances.

The club will operate a bank account to ensure that financial operations are managed professionally. A summary of accounts will be presented to the Annual General Meeting and will detail all income, (including match fees, sponsorships, grants ...etc.) and all expenditure (including equipment purchases, EBBA registration fees, league registration fees, referees fees, travel expenses....etc.).

Cheques will require signature of any two of the three elected officers of the club.

Insurance.

As with any sport it is important that the club is adequately insured. This insurance will probably be arranged via the EBBA.

Venue.

The club has been granted the use of the main sports hall at Thirsk School for two hours on Monday evenings. Monday evenings will be the 'home night' for league competitions.

Links with Thirsk School.

The club will work closely with the school to ensure that children are provided with opportunities for development beyond those provided by the normal school competitions. Conversely the school will act as a feeder for the club, providing new talent thereby ensuring that the club continues to prosper.

Sponsorships

The club was given a strong boost financially by support from the following organisations:

• Hambleton District Council who provided a Start Up Grant of £200
• Direct Group who provided sponsorship of £200
• Midland Bank PLC who provided sponsorship of £50
• South Cleveland Garages, Middlesbrough who provided sponsorhip of £25, and
• the Dog and Gun, Knayton who provided sponsorship of £25

The community education department of Thirsk School granted use of the Sports Hall to provide assistance to the club. This level of support assists the club greatly in providing relativeley low cost access to Basketball for the benefit of the whole community.