Toxteth El8te bring back free Basketball Tournament to Liverpool ONE

This half term, young people across Merseyside are invited to showcase their sporting talents as the UK’s biggest free 3×3 basketball tournament returns to Chavasse Park at Liverpool ONE.

Organised by Toxteth El8te CIC and funded by Merseyside’s Violence Reduction Partnership (MVRP), the LVP 3×3 Tournament is part of a broader initiative to provide safe, positive, and healthy opportunities for young people throughout Merseyside.

Supported by Liverpool ONE, this is the second year of the tournament, building on the success of last August’s event which saw over 200 young athletes compete on a custom-built court at Chavasse Park, with many more cheering from the sidelines.

The event will take place from Friday, 31 May – Sunday, 2 June. Each day from 10.00am to 12.00pm, free open coaching and mentoring sessions will be offered to encourage more young people to try basketball and hone their skills.

In the afternoons, from 12.00pm to 8.00pm, over 60 teams will compete in thrilling 3×3 matches, aiming for a spot in the grand final on Sunday afternoon.

Three-on-three basketball is the sport’s answer to football’s five-a-side, offering a fast-paced and exciting experience for both players and spectators.

Toxteth El8te’s Emile Coleman said:

“After a hugely successful inaugural event last year, we’re delighted to bring back the LVP 3×3 for another year at Liverpool ONE.

“This year we have had an unprecedented number of sign up’s, filling all the team brackets within 10 days. The support of both the Merseyside VRP and Liverpool ONE, alongside Toxteth El8te have funded the event to make it even bigger and better this year. LVP 3×3 is the biggest free 3×3 tournament in the UK and we are proud to be able to have it here in Liverpool ONE.”

Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said:

“The power of basketball is incredible and working with Toxteth El8te, our aim is to increase the opportunities for those already involved with the sport, while also inspiring even more young people to give it a try.

“The first free LVP 3X3 Tournament last year was an overwhelming success and we’re hoping this year’s event will be even bigger and better.

“By providing safe, healthy opportunities like this, our goal is to give young people the chance to channel their energy and abilities into positive activities during the school holidays. This all helps to create brighter futures and a lasting legacy for our region.”

Debi McAndrew, Early Years Education Lead for the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership, said:

“We’re delighted to support Toxteth El8e as they take their LVP 3×3 tournament centre stage on Chavasse Park for the second year running.

“Engaging young people is vital if we want to help them reach their full potential and prevent them getting involved in activities which could take them down the wrong path or lead to harm to themselves or others.

“By funding brilliant free opportunities like this for young people across our region, we are investing in their futures – helping to improve their health, confidence, and resilience while keeping them safe.”

Iain Finlayson, estate director at Liverpool ONE, said:

“Following last year’s inaugural LVP3X3 tournament, and the clear positive impact it had on young people in our community, we’re delighted that the event once again returns to Liverpool ONE.

“Offering our support for initiatives like this one, that invest in young people’s futures and offers them the chance to try new and exciting activities, aligns with our endeavours to make a difference in our communities.

“Grassroots sports organisations like Toxteth El8te are essential to bringing young people together and, in turn, making a positive impact on their confidence and mental health, and we’re proud to host them here at Liverpool ONE.”

As well as the MVRP, the tournament has been supported by Liverpool ONE, Concordia Clinic, Wedge Collective, Nothin About The Music and Elite Portal.