JustPlay Basketball CIC is more than just a sports organisation — it’s a powerful force for change in the community. Founded and led by Chloe Burdett, a Black female entrepreneur with a deep passion for sport and community, JustPlay is committed to using basketball as a tool to uplift, empower, and inspire young women from culturally diverse backgrounds.
At the heart of JustPlay’s mission is the belief that sport can be a catalyst for personal and professional growth. The organisation provides opportunities for young women to not only stay active but also to step into leadership roles and build confidence, resilience, and life skills that extend far beyond the basketball court.
This year, JustPlay launched a groundbreaking sports leadership project aimed at developing the next generation of female leaders in sport. Five young women, aged 12 to 26, took part in an intensive training programme designed to equip them with the tools to coach basketball, enhance their employability, and prepare them for leadership in all areas of life. The programme culminated in the young leaders taking the reins of JustPlay’s first-ever SlamJam sessions — Basketball England’s introductory programme for 7 to 11-year-olds.
What made this programme truly special was the mentorship delivered by Chloe Burdett herself. For the young women, seeing a leader who looked like them and understood their backgrounds was a game-changer. The impact of this mentorship was reflected in how the young coaches connected with the younger girls — modelling leadership, confidence, and care.
Real Lives, Real Impact
The six young women involved in the programme all came from different walks of life, but each found growth, purpose, and pride through their involvement:
- Mama (17) – Now playing National League basketball, she successfully passed her GCSEs and is enrolling in college.
- Rachel (26) – A mental health support worker and Level 2 basketball coach currently in year two of her Teaching Assistant apprenticeship, with aspirations of becoming a referee.
- Nilasha (15) – Gained employability skills and confidence, now also competing at National League level.
- Winni (13) – Once coached by JustPlay in primary school, now confidently leading sessions as a young coach.
- Jazz (16) – Built self-confidence and transitioned into competitive basketball at National League level.
- Beth (16) – Landed her first job, using her experience with JustPlay to shine in her interview. She credits the programme with helping her build problem-solving and resilience skills.
In Their Own Words
The power of the programme is best expressed by the young women themselves:
“I’ve enjoyed being mentored by Chloe, as she’s helped me become better at coaching by giving me feedback when needed and supporting me through ideas when I’ve doubted myself.” – Bethany
“Coaching has helped my confidence too. Before, I was very quiet and shy when talking to new people. Now, I can speak in front of big groups without fear. It made me feel better about myself — I know that if I try something and it doesn’t work, it’s okay. SlamJam was new for me, and it was fun.” – Bethany
JustPlay Basketball CIC is a shining example of what happens when sport meets purpose. With Chloe Burdett at the helm and a growing network of empowered young women, JustPlay is shaping futures, building leaders, and leaving an undeniable mark on the community.
