Respect Programmes

Supported by Canon Medical Systems UK

The B.Braun Sheffield Hatters are proud to be sponsored by Canon Medical Systems Ltd. Since 2022, Canon Medical UK has sponsored the club – which has then led to their involvement with the longstanding RESPECT & RESPECT TOO programs, managed by the Sheffield Sharks.

The inclusion of the Hatters in both RESPECT & RESPECT TOO has had a huge impact on the local communities within the Sheffield City Region, enabling both projects to diversify the delivery group. Prior to the B.Braun Sheffield Hatters involvement, there was a male only delivery group – whereas now we have both male & female. This is a fantastic development, as it enables young girls within our region to see direct role-models educate them on key social issues & introduction level basketball skills. Canon Medical UK sponsorship of the B.Braun Sheffield Hatters, has enabled an expansion of the project, leading to the introduction of the body positivity workshop led by Hatters players. This is has seen an enhancement of the overall project, where there is an open discussion on self-worth, and how we value ourselves that apply to both young men and women. A key emphasis is made on how we are all different, yet individual and that they should be confident in who they are and accepting of themselves and others. The sessions are both boys & girls, rather than separated, to encourage open conversation – to understand how different people think about the same subject.

Consequently, there are clear pathways for both young girls & boys within the Sheffield City Region to continue their involvement in basketball and remain physically active. This is via the Sheffield Hatters Junior pathway, and the Sheffield Sharks satellite clubs.

The RESPECT Program

The ethos

  • To encourage participation in physical activity (in this case Basketball)

  • To encourage an understanding of community values, such as online safety, and the importance of leading healthy and sociable lifestyles.

What the programme delivers

  • Targeted at primary schools within the Sheffield City Region (Y5&Y6)

  • RESPECT Schools Visit – 3 Workshops (Basketball, Dangers of Smoking & Vaping, Body positivity)

  • 6 hours-worth of basketball coaching

  • Signposting and pathways to local basketball sessions to continue engagement

  • Free tickets to a Sheffield Sharks game at the Canon Medical Arena

  • Attendance at the Annual Basketball Tournament at the Canon Medical Arena

A Sheffield Sharks player or community coach delivers a weekly session to a maximum of 30 students per session. There is also an opportunity for a teacher to assist in these sessions and learn the basics of coaching and playing basketball.

For further information, please contact Sarah Banks (Community Manager, B. Braun Sheffield Sharks)

Telephone: 07971 075625 

Email: sarah.banks@thesheffieldsharks.com

RESPECT TOO

Delivered by The Sharks’ & Hatters professional players, the programme utilises the environment in and around basketball to deliver a range of positive activities for one afternoon a week for up to 6 weeks.

The sessions will take place at the Canon Medical Arena, at the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park on Thursday afternoons between 12.30 and 2.30pm.

They will involve a pastoral support session with the players, as positive role models from diverse communities leading activities where young people will look at issues around building positive character traits, developing positive relationships along with how to look after their health and wellbeing. The aim is for the students to develop their understanding of the implications of their life choices and the impact that negative and/or anti-social behaviour can have on them, their families, friends and communities. Alongside the pastoral input, they will also take part in coached basketball sessions with the players.

This programme is intended as an early intervention/preventative initiative to try and steer young people away from anti-social behaviour in their communities. The programme would be most suited to students in Key Stage 3.

Potential participants can be identified by considering the following as exemplar indicators of vulnerability:

  • Are they from a socially deprived background/living in poverty?

  • Is there a suspicion/evidence of neglect?

  • Is there an absent parent?

  • Have they encountered loss/grief?

  • Do they present as socially isolated within their peer group?

We are offering the programme to groups of between 6 and 10 pupils. Sheffield Sharks will provide transport to and from the sessions in our minibus.

For further information or to register your interest in this programme, please contact The Sharks’ Community Programme on 01142573180 or email sheffieldsharks-studycentre@hotmail.co.uk.