Introduction – The Journey of Bexley Tigers
Bexley Tigers Basketball Club has grown from humble beginnings into a thriving community organisation, earning recognition as one of the most exciting basketball clubs in the region. Originally founded in 2021 as Kent Tigers based in Dartford, the club began its journey in the senior divisions of Medway Basketball Association (MBA), starting in Division 3. In its inaugural season, the club made an immediate impact, going undefeated in league play and winning both the MBA Division 3 title and the Nobby Crouch Plate, defeating Iroquois with a decisive 93–41 victory. The club followed this up with yet another winning season, winning both Division 1 and Division 2 with the club’s second team.
The club’s success wasn’t limited to senior basketball. In 2022, the club launched a junior programme (along with a name change to Dartford Tigers) that provided structured training and competitive opportunities for boys and girls from under-12 to under-16 levels. That same year, the club’s founder played a pivotal role in establishing the Kent County Junior Basketball League (KCjBL), helping to create a competitive platform for young basketball players in the region.
The club’s junior programme quickly flourished, with the U14 and U16 teams winning the inaugural KCjBL titles, while the U12 team narrowly missed out on a clean sweep of league trophies across all age groups. In recognition of its impact on grassroots basketball and the wider community, Bexley Tigers was awarded the Basketball England South East Community Club of the Year in 2022, further solidifying its reputation as a leading force in youth basketball development.
During our time as Dartford Tigers, our rapid growth at both senior and junior levels saw our membership exceed 200 players, placing immense strain on available facilities. While we utilised multiple venues, limited availability from school sports hall hires made it increasingly difficult to sustain and expand our programmes. With the urgent need for a suitable venue, meant we had to look elsewhere. Given that a significant number of our players were already from the London Borough of Bexley, where there were no junior basketball programmes, it became clear that relocating would be the next logical step for the club. The decision was made to permanently relocate in 2024—a move that was met with enthusiasm and excitement from the local community.
While we continue to operate some activities in Dartford, Bexley Tigers has firmly planted its roots in the London Borough of Bexley, forging strong partnerships with local schools, community groups, and key stakeholders to create lasting opportunities for young people.
A New Chapter: Bexley Tigers and a Fresh Vision
The rebranding to Bexley Tigers symbolises more than just a name change—it represents a fresh start and a renewed commitment to youth development, community engagement, and basketball excellence. Since our move, we have expanded our focus to offer a wide range of programmes for all age groups, from Little Hoopers sessions for children as young as three to competitive opportunities for senior men’s and women’s teams.
Today, Bexley Tigers operates across multiple venues in the London Borough of Bexley, serving over 300 registered members and more than 500 young people across our programmes.
Who We Are and What We Do
Bexley Tigers is a community basketball club with elite aspirations, committed to promoting basketball while creating positive opportunities for the youth of Bexley. Our goal is not only to develop grassroots basketball but also to bring professional basketball to the borough, providing a platform for young players to dream big and achieve their full potential.
The club is built around two distinct entities:
- Bexley Tigers Basketball Club, which focuses on player development, competitive basketball, and leadership opportunities.
- Tigers in the Community, the charitable arm of the club that delivers community-focused programmes aimed at health, education, and social inclusion.
Our Programmes Under Bexley Tigers Basketball Club
Tigers CBL (Central Basketball League)
The Tigers CBL is our flagship community league, offering a welcoming and secure environment for players to enjoy basketball while building confidence and connections. Designed for participants from our Community Hubs, the CBL provides a safe space for players of all abilities to develop their skills, learn the fundamentals of the game, and form friendships in a fun and supportive setting.
Tigers Officials Academy
We believe that a successful basketball ecosystem requires not only players but also top-tier officials. The Tigers Officials Academy aims to create a robust network of Referees, Table Officials, and Statisticians, adapting the FA Refereeing Pathway to meet basketball’s needs. By equipping our officials with essential skills, we are not only supporting the club but also contributing to the broader development of the sport.
Tall Player Programme
This unique initiative is designed for tall basketball players, focusing on unlocking their full potential by developing the essential skills needed to excel at an elite level. The programme addresses common limitations placed on tall players, encouraging them to explore and master a broad range of basketball skills in a supportive environment. Completely free for selected players, the Tall Player Programme reflects our commitment to nurturing talent and helping players achieve success on and off the court.
Bexley Tigers 3×3 Team
The Bexley Tigers 3×3 Team is dedicated to the fast-paced, dynamic world of 3×3 basketball. With a focus on outdoor training and competitions, this programme prepares players for the unique challenges of the 3×3 format, which is growing rapidly in popularity. The 3×3 Team offers year-round training and is completely free for participants, providing an exciting opportunity to develop new skills.
Targeted Basketball Player Scholarship (TBPS)
The TBPS is a club-wide scholarship programme designed to provide tailored support for identified players, helping them achieve their full potential. Through individualised training and development, the programme equips players with the tools to excel at higher levels of competition, giving them a realistic chance to play nationally and internationally.
Bexley Tigers Youth Board
The Youth Board is a leadership initiative for players aged 12–18, giving them a voice in shaping the club’s future. Members work together to provide feedback on club programmes, organise events, and lead community projects that promote basketball in Bexley. This experience helps young players develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.
Our Programmes Under Tigers in the Community
Tigers in the Community focuses on engaging young people beyond the basketball court, offering a range of programmes designed to promote health, education, and social inclusion:
- GameOn Basketball – Partners with schools to deliver PE and basketball coaching, including before-school and lunchtime clubs.
- Hoopers Health – A health-focused programme that encourages children to make positive lifestyle choices through the power of basketball.
- Hoopz – A pan-disability basketball programme, offering a fun and inclusive environment for disabled and non-disabled players to enjoy the sport.
- After School Club – Provides structured basketball sessions immediately after school with expert coaches in a familiar school setting.
- Bexley Basketball League – An inter-school tournament designed to foster friendly competition, allowing young people to test their skills in a structured, supportive environment.
- Community Hub – Offers additional opportunities for young people to stay active and participate in recreational basketball training outside of school.
- Count Me In – A numeracy programme that supports children struggling with basic maths, using basketball and physical activities to reinforce foundational skills.
- PlayOn Basketball – A fully funded programme targeting children from low-income families and disadvantaged backgrounds, aiming to tackle inactivity and health inequalities.
- RiseUp Mentoring – Provides non-judgemental support for children who may be struggling academically or socially at school, helping them develop confidence and self-esteem.
A Full Player Pathway for All Levels
Bexley Tigers provides a complete player pathway for both boys and girls, from U10 to Senior Teams, catering for all abilities across three levels:
Level 1: Community Hub (Recreational) – For players who want to learn the game in a fun, relaxed environment.
Level 2: Development Team (Intermediate) – For those looking to improve their skills and participate in local leagues.
Level 3: Academy Team (Advanced) – For advanced players aiming to compete at a higher level and pursue national or international opportunities.
We are proud to be one of the only clubs offering this level of provision, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, ability, or gender, has a place in our club to play basketball.
Support from Local Leaders and Stakeholders
Bexley Tigers’ journey has been met with enthusiasm and support from local leaders and stakeholders, who share our vision of creating a lasting impact in the community. As our club continues to grow, we are incredibly grateful for the encouragement and collaboration we’ve received from key figures across the borough.
In early 2025, we had the privilege of welcoming Abena Oppong-Asare MP (Erith and Thamesmead) to visit our club. During her visit, she experienced firsthand the impact of our work and even took her first shot on a basketball court. She expressed her commitment to supporting organisations like ours that provide a safe space for young people to stay active and connected to their community.
We have also reached out to Daniel Francis MP (Bexleyheath and Crayford) and Louie French MP (Old Bexley and Sidcup), who have both expressed interest in visiting Bexley Tigers. We look forward to hosting them soon and sharing more about our work, our vision, and the role we hope to play in supporting the borough’s young people.
Strengthening Our Community Partnerships in Bexley
At Bexley Tigers, we have worked hard to establish strong partnerships with local schools, ensuring that basketball is accessible to as many young people as possible. One of our most valued collaborations is with Trinity C of E School Belvedere, where we have been working extensively to provide high-quality basketball opportunities for students. This partnership is a shining example of our commitment to integrating basketball into the borough’s school system.
We are also the official after-school basketball providers for Bexley Grammar School, while working on establishing an after-school provision at Welling School, Hurstmere School and Harris Garrard just to name a few, delivering structured basketball sessions that offer students a fun and engaging way to stay active while developing their skills. In addition to these schools, we have opened discussions with many more across the borough, aiming to expand basketball provisions and create more opportunities for students to experience the sport within their school environments.
A perfect example of our ambition through our collaboration with schools is the Bexley Borough School Basketball Association (BBSBA). This initiative brings together schools from across the borough, giving students the chance to compete, develop leadership skills, and build lasting connections through sport. The BBSBA league is run with the support of local teachers and a student-led basketball committee, demonstrating how we empower young people to take active roles in shaping their sporting experiences.
Beyond secondary schools, we are also engaging with primary schools to introduce basketball at an earlier stage. Through our Little Hoopers programme, we provide fun, developmentally appropriate basketball sessions designed specifically for primary school children, ensuring they develop key skills from a young age and build a lifelong love for the game.
A Thank You to Our Supporters
As we continue to establish ourselves in the London Borough of Bexley, we want to express our gratitude to the London Borough of Bexley Council, all three MPs representing the borough, and all our valued schools and partners for their support. Their encouragement and support has played a key role in helping us expand our impact, and we look forward to continuing our work together in the community.
