Why do we keep active? For our physical health, for our mental health, and most importantly, to have fun!
One group that embodies these values perfectly is the Exeter Walking Basketball Group, based in Exeter College and kindly hosted by the Exeter Spartans Basketball Club. Supported by Wellbeing Exeter’s Community Physical Activity Organiser (CPAO) Felix Elsen, they have been offering casual, low-cost basketball sessions to Exeter adults of all ages and genders for almost a year now, and to great success!
What started as the simplest seed of a thought in late 2024 has grown to new heights in 2026, with multiple group members due to complete their Level 2 qualifications in Basketball Community Coaching soon, thanks in part to funding from Live & Move and Devon County Council. This has helped them to move towards greater session independence, with members at the heart of selecting and running all group activities.
Since even before their very first session, CPAO Felix Elsen and Exeter Spartans have supported the group to become an established weekly offering and ever-more independent, with the group taking great pride in their self-led session structures and welcoming environment. This has encouraged participation from a wide range of different backgrounds and experiences, with beginners and regulars alike all made to feel at home.
This has led to glowing feedback from group members, with one individual describing the group to have been “life changing” for them, being full of “brilliant, friendly people”. Another praised its inclusivity, stating that it is “great to be playing basketball again, which has been made accessible through the slower pace, good coaching, and good to meet people.”
Recently, they have even joined up with Teignmouth Walking Basketball club, an original source of inspiration for the group, hosting them for a session that included exciting new drills and a mixed-teams match to finish off the evening!
All in all, these weekly sessions are a slam-dunk for those who want to develop their sporting skills, get out and about, and generally have a thoroughly enjoyable time.
Why not get involved? If you wish to find out more or sign up, you can do so by following this link.
Anxious to try? You can view some of their superb session clips on the Exeter Walking Basketball Facebook page, or even try your first session free of charge!