🏀 Warriors Basketball Joins Outlet Basketball – Our Journey and Future!

We’re proud to announce that Warriors Basketball is now officially part of the Outlet Basketball development programme. As of this season, Whiteley Warriors Basketball CIC will focus solely on our National League teams, while the Warriors Basketball name will continue through our exciting grassroots development pathway.

📖 Where It All Began

Whiteley Warriors Basketball was founded with a clear mission: to grow the game of basketball for young people in Hampshire. What started as a grassroots effort in Whiteley, Fareham, and Locks Heath quickly became a recognised and respected force in local and regional basketball. With passionate coaches, dedicated volunteers, and incredible player support, the Warriors grew from a small community team into a club competing across all age groups.

Under the leadership of Club Director Gareth Birkett, the club has expanded to serve over 500 members, including more than 250 junior players. Birkett's unwavering commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting the sport has been recognised nationally. In 2023, he was honoured with Basketball England's Children's Coach of the Year for the South Region, and in 2024, he received the prestigious Services to Basketball Award, acknowledging his lifelong dedication to the sport .basketballengland.co.uk+1basketballengland.co.uk+1

🏆 Milestones and Achievements

We’ve celebrated some incredible milestones along the way:

  • 🏆 U12s Champions – Three Years Running
    Our Under-12 teams have demonstrated exceptional talent and determination, securing the Solent Area Basketball Association Central Venue League title for three consecutive years, including an undefeated season in 2023–24 .basketballengland.co.uk

  • 🏆 Men’s Division 2 West Champions (2024–25)
    Our senior men’s team captured the Solent Area Basketball Association (SABA) league title, a proud moment for the club and its supporters.

  • 🎗️ Community Engagement through 'Hoopz 4 Skoolz'
    The club's 'Hoopz 4 Skoolz' initiative has raised thousands of pounds to provide basketball equipment to local primary and secondary schools, enriching the lives of countless youngsters .basketballengland.co.uk+1basketballengland.co.uk+1

🔄 A New Chapter with Outlet Basketball

In line with our growth, Warriors Basketball development teams have now become a key part of the Outlet Basketball brand. This shift allows us to streamline our structure:

  • Whiteley Warriors Basketball CIC – now exclusively managing National League teams

  • Warriors Basketball – operating as a grassroots development pathway under Outlet Basketball

The Warriors development programme is designed to prepare players for National League competition while offering them weekly games through the Grassroots Basketball Development League, where they’ll face other internal Outlet clubs like Fareham Falcons, Gosport Gunners, Boorley Green Bucks, and New Forest Novas.

👥 Our Warriors Development Teams

We’re excited to be running the following age groups:

  • Little Warriors (ages 4–7)

  • U8s

  • U10s

  • 2 x U12 Teams

  • 2 x U14 Teams

  • 1 x U16 Team

These teams will train and compete across Fareham, Locks Heath, and Whiteley—with a strong emphasis on player development, teamwork, and having fun.

🌟 Coming Soon: Warriors Basketball Eastleigh

We’re expanding! Get ready for Warriors Basketball Eastleigh, launching soon as our newest satellite club. This is part of our mission to bring high-quality, inclusive basketball to more young people across Hampshire.