Manchester Basketball and Manchester City Council have announced a joint investment in outdoor courts.

The first to be upgraded is Cringle Park in Levenshulme, with completion planned for early May.

President of Manchester Basketball Ben Pierson said: “Investing in community facilities is part of our long-term strategy to grow the game and increase participation across the city.”

This follows the UK government and the National Basketball Association announcing £10 million for new basketball facilities across the UK.

Investment in basketball has been lacking for years, but as the sport grows, more facilities are needed.

Local basketball enthusiast Samuel Smith said: “The courts are not very good; it is hard for people to get down and enjoy the sport.”

New courts in the city will help develop the sport’s popularity which has been increasing year on year.

England have struggled to produce high level basketball talent but with more access to facilities, Manchester may become the perfect place for English Basketball talent to develop.