Central London Alliance’s London Sports Festival has launched a new sporting activation, with a pop-up 3×3 basketball court in Paternoster Square drawing hundreds of participants and spectators on its opening day.
The court, positioned in the shadow of St Paul’s Cathedral, has transformed the square into a hub for sport, community and wellbeing, attracting workers, residents, visitors and aspiring players alike.
The opening day was delivered in partnership with Basketball England, featuring free coaching, skills sessions and opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to take part.
The activation builds on the momentum of May’s King’s Baton Relay celebration, when Team England’s King’s Baton arrived in the City of London before being placed on the very same court.
Thousands gathered during that earlier event to celebrate the Commonwealth Games and enjoy a day of free basketball activities, with the current festival continuing that spirit.
A large screen adjacent to the court is showing the Commonwealth Games throughout the activation, including the 3×3 basketball competition featuring athletes who inspired participants during the Baton celebrations.
The 18-day programme offers one of London’s most inclusive basketball schedules, with activities designed to welcome beginners through to experienced players across a wide range of sessions.
Highlights include free junior coaching sessions led by renowned coach Alex Ducasse, wheelchair basketball tasters delivered by the London Titans, and dedicated sessions for SEND participants powered by the London Basketball Association.
Women-only and Muslim women groups run by the Black Prince’s Trust are also featured, alongside competitive 3×3 tournaments, corporate challenges and takeover days from organisations including LondonHoops x AND1, Bouncewear and Brixton Topcats.
The activation has been delivered by Central London Alliance in partnership with Blue Orchid Hospitality, Cheapside Business Alliance, London 3×3 and the City of London Corporation, with National Lottery funding from Sport England supporting coaching and equipment.
Sport England’s investment has significantly expanded the number of complimentary coaching sessions available, ensuring participants can enjoy a professionally delivered basketball experience with clear pathways into continued participation beyond the festival.
Tony Matharu, founder and Chairman of Central London Alliance, said: “The response to Central London Alliance’s 3×3 basketball activation has been outstanding and demonstrates exactly what the London Sports Festival is all about – transforming public spaces into places where people can come together, be active and experience sport in the heart of our capital.”
Matharu added: “We are particularly proud that, through the support of Sport England and London 3×3, we can provide professional coaching completely free of charge for so many participants.”
He continued: “Combined with our fantastic partners and the unique backdrop of St Paul’s Cathedral, this activation showcases London’s ability to deliver world-class sporting experiences that leave a lasting legacy for both participants and the city itself.”
Beyond basketball, the London Sports Festival is also offering padel at Tower Hill Terrace and Hay’s Galleria, pickleball and giant volleyball in Guildhall Yard, and panna football in the Crescent across central London.