Bucknall, Wells & Shaw Elected to Basketball England Board

Image: (from left to right) Steve Bucknall (Board Member), Grace Jacca (Board Member), Clare Wardle (Chair), Stewart Kellett (CEO), Allan Heye (Board Member)

Basketball England has appointed three elected Board Members to help guide the National Governing Body (NGB) to the next stage of its evolution, hoping to further build and profile the game with the basketball community.

Following the 75th AGM on Sunday, former Senior international, seasoned pro and England Under-18 Men’s Head Coach, Steve Bucknall, gets the nod, and referee John Wells was also appointed as a new Director of the Board, along with Nicky Shaw who was reappointed for a three-year term.

“We had five great candidates nominated for the Board election this year. We are really excited that Steve, John and Nicky were elected to join the Basketball England team as members of the Basketball England Board,” said Chief Executive Officer Stewart Kellett.

“Basketball England holds a prominent place in serving our members and in influencing the game. The new directors are joining us at a time where we are currently engaging with our members and stakeholders much more and responding with new and improved services to create lasting growth and success in the game. A crucial part of this transformation is to listen more, interpret the needs of everyone in the game, and deliver a change for the better.

“Our new Board members will add to the skills and experience of the Board. This will enable us to make the best decisions for the sport, attract new people to the game and support current players, members and key partners to get the most from the game.”

“I’ve administrated a club, coached national teams, I’ve always tried to serve the sport and the next step for me is to be in a place where I can have some influence,” he said.

“I want to make the difference and push the sport forward and reach its potential. I’ve been at the coalface of the game at every level and I know how it works from every level, club through to the NBA and I am now hoping to put my time back into our sport.”

John Wells, a highly experienced National League referee, referee mentor and trainer added:

“I have the time, knowledge and drive to help move our sport forward. I truly believe there is a place for everyone in the sport of basketball and will champion this inclusiveness in the sport whenever possible. I believe I have much to offer the sport of Basketball moving forward and I possess the drive and interest to be an effective Director.”

Chair of the South East Region Basketball Association and Chair of Basketball-Sussex Nicky Shaw was also re-elected to the Board of Directors.

“I have enjoyed my term of office and am excited continue to help the Board build a better basketball community,” she enthused.

“I feel I still have a lot to offer especially promoting and supporting grass roots basketball and recognising all the volunteers in our sport. My passion, drive and commitment are seeing this develop further and grow from strength to strength.”

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