Hamad Ali – basketball star at 16

Hamad Ali

Hamad Ali from Newbold is hoping to make his passion for basketball his career.

Hamad, who started playing basketball almost four years ago, currently plays for Manchester Magic and the England U17s team.

He said: “I love basketball and I love playing basketball and I think that I am good enough to do it as my career and go far with it.”

Hamad started playing basketball after being introduced to the sport by his brother.

“My brother showed me the sport and I just started bouncing the ball and got into it from there really,” said Hamad.

Hamad then tried out for Manchester Magic and has been playing for them for three years. He was selected for the England U17s team after a North West tryout and has been playing with them for a year.

Hamad added: “Basketball gives me something to do that I enjoy and whenever I am angry or upset about something I can go away and play and just start bouncing a ball and get rid of everything I’m feeling.”