ESSEX Pirates have worked frantically to try and impress on the court.

And they are now doing the same off it as well.

For Pirates have started to carry out a British Basketball League initiative called Hoops4Health, which visits local schools in a bid to improve youngsters’ lifestyles.

“The idea is to use basketball to get the message of a healthy lifestyle through to kids,” said Pirates’ head of community schemes Alan Metcalfe, who also plays for the first team.

“It’s coming from someone different to their parents or teachers and, partially because of their size, we get a good reaction.”

Pirates are therefore confident that the project can have a huge impact on the south Essex area and are keen to develop more partnerships.

They started the scheme at Chadwell St Mary Primary School as a trio of players — Colin Sing, Haggai Hundert and Andrew Wallace — joined Metcalfe to deliver the programme.

Pupils were split into small groups and were taught about fitness, healthy eating and the dangers of smoking before being coached basketball.

The youngsters enjoyed the afternoon and the school’s PE and PSHE co-ordinator Rikki Jones has noticed an improvement in behaviour since Pirates got involved with the school.

“They’ve become more focused and always remember their PE kit now, which was unheard of before,” said Jones.

“It’s all been very positive and even the pupils who weren’t sporty before are now ready and waiting for the basketball in their PE kit.

“It’s really fun for them and Alan is a great role model,” Jones added.

“The pupils can also win family tickets to go and watch the Pirates games, but only if they meet the necessary criteria, which means they have to be supportive, fair and a good team player, as well as doing well with their lessons in the classroom.”

Hoops 4Health meets criteria outlined in the development policy of the Children and Young People’s Plan for Essex and the players will continue to visit other schools in the local area.

“It’s something that all BBL clubs do and, on top of Hoops4Health, schools also get four free coaching sessions from our professional players and also get to play in a tournament.

“We remain in regular contact and it’s an excellent scheme to be a part of.”

Pirates are now hoping to hear from more schools interest in teaming up with Pirates.

And they are also chasing a sponsor.

Anyone interested should e-mail tim.lewis@essexpirates.com