The annual Wythenshawe Games took place this week at Wythenshawe Park. The Manchester Mystics were represented by Women’s Academy Head Coach Mbongeni Greg Mpofu and junior players Chloe Andrew, Holly Bryan and Darcey Gordon.

Friday at the event was earmarked by the organisers as ‘This Girl Can’ day, aimed at engaging young women and girls to come and try sessions and the Mystics were on hand to deliver basketball sessions on behalf of Basketball England.

Mpofu was pleased with the turn-out, “I was quite impressed to see so many people roll up and pick up a ball with a smile on their face, the vast majority of whom had never even tried basketball before.

“The ‘This Girl Can’ campaign is one that has great significance for me, and it was an honour for Basketball England to invite us over to be a part of it.”

“I was happy to have 3 junior players from our programme giving up their time to share their love and passion for the game with the community at large.”

Manchester Mystics’ Commonwealth Games silver medal winning guard Georgia Jones was also present, inspiring youngsters with her medal and tales of her journey.

“Georgia’s a local kid like most of these girls, and she has worked hard and earned great opportunities via the sport.

“We’re always aiming to spark a dream in young people, and no better role models exist than the ones from where you’re from, that you can relate to. That’s what makes Georgia such an inspiration.” Mpofu said.