Everton FC launches pro basketball club

Sep 13 2007 by Liz Sullivan, Liverpool Daily Post

Henry Mooney and his Toxteth Tigers baketball team

EVERTON Football Club yesterday unveiled plans to increase its profile in the sporting world – by backing a basketball team.

The club has teamed up with south Liverpool’s Toxteth Tigers to form a professional team that will compete in the British Basketball League’s 2007/08 season.

It is the first time the city of Liverpool has put up a team for the top-level competition, which is equivalent to football’s Premier League.

The new Everton Tigers team will be only the second North West team, alongside the Cheshire Jets, to compete in the BBL.

Head coach Henry Mooney has been involved with the Toxteth Tigers for 40 years since he started playing for them when he was just 13.

He has also been involved with the game at an international level, helping train the England men's team four years ago.

But his real passion is for the local team, and he hopes the new team will help recruit both players and fans to the sport.

“We are putting a team together that will be a combination of supremely talented local players and well known internationals that have competed at the highest levels,” he said.

“It is a hugely exciting concept and we are hoping that the people of Liverpool get right behind us.

“We may have the Everton name but we want everyone to enjoy the sport, including the Liverpool FC fans. We’re representing the whole city.”

As well as competing in the British Basketball League, Everton Tigers will also have strong links with the local community.

The Toxteth Tigers team has built a reputation for its involvement with young people, trying to get them off the streets and into sport.

“It is our intention to create the largest youth engagement programme in the UK,” said the chairman of the Everton Tigers, Gary Townsend.

“Experience has shown that sport has a positive impact on young people and improves education and health whilst helping tackle anti-social behaviour and crime”

“This partnership is the natural extension of the People’s Club, reaching out to as many people as we can.”

Mr Townsend also praised Liverpool City Council, which is also supporting the venture: “We couldn’t have done it without the city council.”

But he asked Merseyside businesses to show support, as the team still needs financial sponsorship.

The Tigers will play their home fixtures at the Greenbank Sports Academy, Liverpool on Friday evenings with their first home game on October 12 against London Capital.