The Abingdon Eagles, an amateur basketball club in Oxfordshire, has become the UK's second largest in terms of membership just over a decade after reforming. This remarkable growth is attributed to the club's inclusive philosophy and the increasing demand for basketball among children. The club's head coach, Steve Claringbould, who also runs the club in his spare time while working as a commercial airline pilot, dreams of transforming the club into a charity to secure a permanent home. This would enable the club to provide more opportunities for the local community and expand its reach. However, the club currently faces challenges due to a lack of facilities, as it trains at six different sites across south Oxfordshire. Claringbould emphasizes the need for a dedicated home to support the club's growth and serve the community effectively. The Abingdon Eagles' success and aspirations highlight the importance of community engagement and the potential for sports clubs to become catalysts for positive change in local areas.
