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How it all started...
How it all started...
The Rushcliffe Basketball Programme was founded in 1968 by former Nottingham boxer Fred Wingfield (1929 – 2012). Fred took his son on a trip to see the legendary Harlem Globetrotters in the 1960s. When he returned to Nottingham he set up a team of his own, so his son and his friends could play. At first the kids played in the street and didn’t even have a hoop! Coach Jimmy “Jumpshot” Smith joined Fred as Head Coach in 1977, until his retirement from the club in 2021.
266 Bathley Street, Meadows - Fred Wingfield's former residence, where the club was founded.
Former Rushcliffe Head coach, Jimmy 'Jumpshot' smith, NAmed GB MAXIS Programme Head Coach
Former Rushcliffe Head coach, Jimmy 'Jumpshot' smith, NAmed GB MAXIS Programme Head Coach
Rushcliffe former Head Coach has joined Team GB.
Coach Jimmy ‘Jumpshot’ Smith, who has led numerous basketball programmes in the Newark and Sherwood district, and all across Nottinghamshire, has been appointed to Great Britain’s newest international team age groups for men and women.
He said: “The appointment has brought a great amount of joy to not only myself and my family, but also to represent present and former players and colleagues.
Smith will take charge of the Team GB Maxi-Basketball squads, which have recently been included in the Basketball England Talent Pathway, and go up in increments of five years from 35-39 up to the 55-59 age group for both men’s and women’s teams.
The squads meet monthly, leading up to international competitions, having most recently competed in the European Championships in June 2022 in Malaga, Spain.
Celebrating half a century of Nottingham BasketbalL: 1968 - 2018
Celebrating half a century of Nottingham BasketbalL: 1968 - 2018
Former and current members of the Jets Basketball Club will be joined by the new Sheriff of Nottingham, Catharine Arnold to celebrate 50 years since the club started.
The club was founded in 1968 and is the oldest junior basketball club still in existence in the city and county.
The club started when Fred Wingfield (1929 – 2012) took his son on a trip to see the legendary Harlem Globetrotters in the 1960s. When he returned to Nottingham he set up a team of his own, so his son and his friends could play. At first the kids played in the street and didn’t even have a hoop, but the club has since grown massively, began to welcome girls, has had hundreds of members and also won some championships.
The current coach, American Jimmy ‘Jumpshot’ Smith, joined when his club Leicester Riders moved him into the Meadows at the end of 1976. Jimmy soon met Fred and became a coach. Three years later Fred asked Jimmy to take over as head coach of the Jets Club.
Over the years it has been known by different names, such as Meadow Jets, but they have always been based in the city at various venues in the Meadows and Wilford. For most of the past 20 years the club has been based at Portland Centre in the Meadows, only a few streets away from where it all started, at 226 Bathley Street.
Now former players and coaches are being urged to come and join the celebration at the Portland Centre on Friday 18 May from 6-8pm. Activities like matches and shooting competitions will be held. The current coach and team hope to see anyone who was ever involved or would like to be involved there.
Jimmy ‘Jumpshot’ Smith said: “The ethos of the club has always been about providing somewhere for young people to play basketball and the club mainly exists for young people who enjoy learning and playing the game.
“There have been so many players, coaches, volunteers and parents who throughout the years have supported the teams and I would like to thank them all and encourage them to come along to the event on Friday.”
Cllr Catharine Arnold, The Sheriff of Nottingham, said: “I’m proud to attend the 50 year anniversary of the Jets and show my support for such a great team. They have done so much for young people in Nottingham and the game of basketball in the city and they are a great asset to Nottingham’s sporting history.”
Taken from: https://www.mynottinghamnews.co.uk/celebrating-half-a-century-of-nottingham-basketball/ Published 17th May 2018 in Leisure and Culture, Leisure Centres and Sport, Press Releases
Club Founder Finds Fame
Club Founder Finds Fame
A retired professional boxer who founded a basketball club was the first person inducted into its new hall of fame.
Mr Fred Wingfield, 83, of London Road, Balderton, founded Rushcliffe Jets Basketball Club for children 44 years ago, after retiring from boxing.
Mr Wingfield, an ex-bantamweight fighter, had 32 professional fights following his debut in 1947. He won nine and drew four before retiring in 1958.
Jets’ coach Mr Jimmy Smith said despite his boxing career Mr Wingfield would be best remembered for founding the Jets.
Mr Wingfield was presented with a club staff shirt with his name and Jets No. 1 on it.
Speaking at the ceremony Mr Wingfield said: “The club has come a long way since the early days.
“We thank everyone for inviting us here tonight to see how the club has grown bigger and stronger over the years.
“Keep on doing what you are doing.”
Mr Smith said: “How many people can say that they started a basketball club and 44 years later, it is still going strong?
“Fred can, and he came home to see it.”
Mr Wingfield and Jets coaches, Mr Neill Gregg, Mr Paul Blanchard, Mr Ian Curryer and Mr Sam Smith presented trophies at the club’s annual awards night.
Special awards were presented to players including Ben Mason, a pupil at Toot Hill Academy, Bingham, who was named club member of the year, and Jordan Setchell, of Coddington, who was named under-16 player of the year.
https://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/news/club-founder-finds-fame-9039302/ Published: 20 May 2012
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