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Moss Side Tropics Basketball Team Campaign to Regenerate The Millennium Powerhouse in Manchester.
The Moss Side Tropics Basketball Club has been saving lives in Manchester for 50 years. They want to regenerate their community hub court, allowing them to return there and inspire a new generation.
The Tropics club was formed in 1972 and one of its founding fathers Fitzroy Wallace quickly realised that sport is a powerful vehicle for transforming lives. He uses basketball to help take young men from the streets and away from negative influences.
They have produced outstanding athletes, more importantly, countless outstanding individuals. These men have chosen a positive pathway and used sport to help them achieve whatever life and career goals they have.
Years ago, situated in one of the most challenging areas of Britain, The Tropics found a home in The Millennium Powerhouse in Moss Side. This hub helps educate, feed and keep children safe. It has a huge impact on the community.
The Centre was once a thriving building where kids would learn, make music, play sports and on a Friday night the place would be packed as the whole community watched the Tropics play.
Coach Fitzroy has fond memories:
"It was at the heart of looking after the youngsters of the area. Football, basketball, netball, cricket, all the sports, it was an open house, we embraced everyone and we got everyone involved. We showed kids the benefits of taking part in sport and helped to guide them. We would come here together, collectively. It was sports and also a big social element, they would share good times together. This was a safe place for them, it was a necessity".
Then, a decade ago, funding for sports club was withdrawn by the government forcing the Tropics to leave. In that time The Powerhouse has also faced severe funding difficulties and austerity. They continue to do amazing work in subject areas such as education, mental health, arts and even help tackle holiday hunger - but they need your help.
The Moss Side Tropics are campaigning to return to The Powerhouse, however in order to make that happen the sports hall floor desperately needs replacing to become competition compliant.
If we can make this happen it will help will inspire the next generation and keep them safe. Tropics star Ambo Bell explains:
"The Powerhouse is hugely important to the Tropics and our legacy. We want people even more engaged in basketball and to fall in love with the game, just like we did. The older generation passed it down and if it ends with us it will be such a shame. If we can inspire a new generation of Tropics to keep this thing going it will be wonderful. Being a Tropic means you become part of an extended family. It was something that many of us had never experienced before. This family of support turns into a brotherhood before they know it".
Please, please help us. If we can make The Powerhouse great again it will impact the whole community and many hundreds of young lives will change for the better.
The first step is a new court for the Tropics, we are trying to raise £35,000 so please donate. All donations no matter how big or small will be greatly appreciated from The Tropics, The Powerhouse and all the local community of Moss Side.
Please follow our journey so far;
M.E.N Article on Moss Side Tropics
Sincere wishes and gratitude to you all.
The Moss Side Tropics on behalf of The Millennium Powerhouse
