Want to Play?
Are you looking to play basketball in the local Berkshire community? Reading Rockets provides many programmes for kids and adults of all ages and skill levels. Read through the programmes below to find a session that’s right for you.
How to Find the Right Session
Rockets programmes are delivered by school year. Scroll down to the programme that includes your child’s school year and follow the link to view the timetable. There are also separate booking links for our Girls, SEND, Wheelchair and Adult programmes — everything can be found on this page. Not sure if it’s right for you? Book a taster session first and see how you get on!
Rockets Community Programme
Rockets Community Sessions run during term time only, with camps and speciality sessions run during the school holidays which can be booked separately. Players can join at any time during the year.
Rockets Community Programme uses an online booking system called Class4Kids.
New to Basketball?
If you’re coming along for the first time and haven’t played much basketball before, don’t worry — Rockets has you covered! Check out the links below to understand the rules of the game and some dribbling skills to practise before you come along.
Rockets Summer Slam Basketball Programme
Rockets are running a summer programme for all the family to stay active and play together. What is each session?
- 3×3 — non-stop half-court 3×3 for players age 12–16
- Just Play Families — fun for all the family to play together, adults go free!
- Summer Slam Days — full days of basketball for both National League and Development level players, aimed to keep players’ skills up over the summer
- Summer Slam Mini Basketball — morning sessions for our younger ballers, aimed at keeping the fun going through the summer
Contact: steph.johnson@readingrockets.co.uk
Junior & Adult Wheelchair Basketball Programme
- Juniors ages 8–17 & Adults 18+ — all abilities welcome, open to those with or without a disability
- Thursdays 5–6pm
- Venue: Reading University Sportspark, Shinfield Road, Reading, RG6 6DJ (free parking)
- Chairs provided
- Juniors £30 for a 6-week course; Adults pay-as-you-go — email to book
Reading Rockets delivers both a Junior and Adult Wheelchair Basketball session in Reading, open to young players and adults of all abilities. Led by experienced coaches, the sessions focus on developing basketball skills, teamwork, and confidence in a fun, inclusive environment — suitable for those with and without a disability.
Introduction to Wheelchair Basketball
Contact: steph.johnson@readingrockets.co.uk
Junior Programmes by Age
Micro Ballers
- School Years Reception and Year 1
- Beginners
- Boys and Girls
- Various locations
- £45 for a 6-week term (some terms are 7 weeks)
The club’s Mini Basketball programme is specifically designed for young players between the ages of 4–12, split into Micro, Mini and Mighty Ballers. Each session develops both physical ability and basketball knowledge in a fun environment while teaching respect, fair play and making new friends.
Contact: steph.johnson@readingrockets.co.uk
Mini Ballers
- School Years 2–5
- Beginners
- Boys and Girls
- Various locations
- £45 for a 6-week term (some terms are 7 weeks)
The club’s Mini Basketball programme is specifically designed for young players between the ages of 4–12, split into Micro, Mini and Mighty Ballers. The mini basket coaches deliver fun, energised sessions using a variety of games to teach the game while developing key multi-skills.
Contact: steph.johnson@readingrockets.co.uk
Mighty Ballers
- School Years 6 and 7
- Beginners
- Boys and Girls
- Various locations
- £45 for a 6-week term (some terms are 7 weeks)
A great next step for players who’ve previously attended the club’s Mini Baller programme (ages 4–9) — also ideal for beginners looking to try the sport for the first time. Players develop their skills through small-sided matches each week.
Contact: steph.johnson@readingrockets.co.uk
Youth Ballers Programme
- School Years 8–14
- Beginners & Intermediate
- Boys and Girls
- Various locations
- £45 for a 6-week term (some terms are 7 weeks)
Continues players’ progression from the Mini Basketball Programme through to Year 14 at school. Sessions cover skill development and 1v1 technique before moving onto team ideas and tactics. U14 and U16 teams also have the opportunity to compete in the club’s development league on Friday nights between October and June.
Contact: steph.johnson@readingrockets.co.uk
SEND Programme
- Special Educational Needs children only
- No diagnosis needed
- Ages 8+
- No experience needed
- Boys and Girls
- Various locations
- £45 for a 6-week term (some terms are 7 weeks)
The Rockets SEND sessions provide for players from 8 years old right through to 25 year olds. Sessions are fun and consider the needs of each individual attending. Coaches have a wealth of experience in SEND delivery and work regularly with SEND schools in the area.
Contact: steph.johnson@readingrockets.co.uk
This Girl Can
- Girls only
- Age 8–16
- Beginners and intermediate
- South Reading Leisure Centre
- £45 for a 6-week term (some terms are 7 weeks)
Rockets “This Girl Can” programme provides a fun environment for girls to try the sport for the first time or take part outside of school. The girls programme coaching team is really welcoming and ideal for any young female wanting to get involved.
- Tuesdays 4.30–5.30pm (Under 14 Development)
- Thursdays 5–6pm (Under 16 Development)
- Both sessions at South Reading Leisure Centre
Contact: steph.johnson@readingrockets.co.uk
Rockets Adult Basketball Programme (18+)
- Ages 18+
- All levels
- £7.50 per session, pay-as-you-go
The club runs a weekly social basketball session for both men and women, for beginners and those getting back into the sport. The club works closely with the This Girl Can campaign for its back-to-basketball programme, and the Dads and Lads session gives men an opportunity to play socially and find an enjoyable, active pastime. Sessions run weekly as pay-as-you-go, so players can attend when they can and are always welcomed back.
Dates & Times
- Back to Basketball — Mondays, 7.30–8.30pm, Maiden Erlegh School, Hamilton Road entrance, Reading, RG1 5SL
- Dads and Lads — Wednesdays, 9–10pm, John Madejski Academy, Northumberland Road entrance, Reading, RG2 8DH
- Times may differ slightly during the summer months
Contact: community@readingrockets.co.uk
Rockets Adult Female and Adult Male programmes can be booked via the app “WOOOBA” — download the app and search for “Reading Rockets”.
Hoop It Up — Schools Programme
- Primary school
- Beginners
- Boys and Girls
Reading Rockets’ Hoop It Up Programme was launched in September 2012 to give young children a sports programme that also teaches lessons on living a happy, healthier lifestyle. The programme provides schools with 6–30 week programmes tailored to their school community, with detailed lesson plans and a healthy-lifestyle topic integrated into every session through games, quizzes and discussion.
Schools
Micklands, St Annes, Compton, Hamilton, Leighton Park, Bradfield, Geoffrey Fields, Cold Ash, EP Collier, Highdown, Highclose, Icollege, Reading Boys, Park House, Luckley House.
Pathway
The club is committed to sustainable programmes with a lasting effect on children. In the Reading area, every player from Year 3 can access an after-school basketball session, a weekly community session, and the opportunity to try out for Rockets’ youngest teams — providing a pathway from school sport through to an elite basketball programme.
Contact: steph.johnson@readingrockets.co.uk