Coaches from Wolfpack Hoops basketball programme and the Bermuda Netball Association have teamed up to create the first all girls basketball league which is scheduled to start next weekend.

Gina Benjamin and Marissa Brangman, two of netball’s brightest young coaches, have joined director Erica Woods to create the Lady Cats Spring basketball league.

“It has been years since we have had a sustainable girls programme for basketball in Bermuda. This partnership between Wolfpack Hoops and the Bermuda Netball Association will provide both sports with opportunities for continued growth and support,” a Wolfpack spokesperson said.

“This inaugural league will be an opportunity for youth players from netball to try out a new sport which will keep them active during the off season.”

Erica Woods, director of the Lady Cats and a former college basketball player, is excited about the launching of the new league. “I’m extremely excited to get things underway,” she said. “With both netball and basketball partnering up, this gives the young ladies an opportunity to be active year round without schedules clashing.

“Those who enjoy both sports will now have the luxury of playing both with no interruptions. It will allow them to learn and develop new skill sets, create more friendships and also build positive characteristics that will prove to be valuable in their everyday lives.

“This will be a fun and safe space for all involved. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to work alongside Mrs. Brangman and Mrs. Christopher as we all share a common passion for helping to positively develop our young people.”

The Spring League will run for eight weeks and will provide recreational basketball games in a league consisting of four teams, each representing a different WNBA team, the Dream, the Mystics, the Mercury, and the Lynx named after the top four teams in the WNBA.

As well as keeping young women active while promoting fitness, teamwork, and discipline, the league also has the potential to create more opportunities for the players to travel abroad and compete.

“Having a love for both sports, I am looking forward to the new partnership between netball and basketball,” Benjamin said. “We are entering uncharted territory as historically the sports have competed for the same athletes.

“This will present our girls with greater opportunity to travel and schooling. More importantly, this will allow our young girls to stay active and be involved in a positive environment.”

The Lady Cats Spring League is looking for girls aged nine to 16 who are either experienced basketball players, or who are looking to try out a new sport. To register for the Lady Cats Spring League, e-mail info@wolfpackhoops.com