Why British basketball needs more volume – with Matt Johnson – Ep. 119

By Sam Neter on March 11, 2025

For episode 119 of the Hoopsfix Podcast we sit down with Reading Rockets CEO Matt Johnson.

Johnson shares the journey of the Reading Rockets, a basketball club founded in 1997, emphasising the importance of youth engagement and community impact.

He discusses the current scope of the club, its legal structures, and the challenges faced in the British basketball landscape, while highlighting the need for more participation in basketball, the significance of youth development, and the philosophy behind coaching young players.

Matt discusses the various barriers to growth in basketball clubs, the importance of knowledge sharing and resources, and the role of governance in sports, emphasising the need for better infrastructure, support, and a clear pathway for young athletes to thrive in the sport.

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