The Coventry Crusaders and Maersk Air have joined forces to provide basketball coaching sessions to 3000 children throughout Coventry and Warwickshire.

The Crusader's Foundation Community Development Programme is to be sponsored by Maersk Air and Sportsmatch. The sponsorship will enable schools to take advantage of a limited number of free and subsidised coaching sessions. Two nominated local schools or youth groups will receive two Maersk Air baskets. The deal also enables the Crusaders to provide a basketball camp which will take place in the summer holidays.

Dip Donaldson, chairman of the Crusader Foundation said:

"This sponsorship deal will prove to be extremely beneficial to the local community as the Foundation is able to continue the coaching work and also to expand creating more opportunities for young people in the Coventry and Warwickshire to participate in fun, positive basketball."

Rob Ayling, Maersk Air's general manager sales and marketing added,

"We are delighted to be able to provide opportunities for children to develop their talents in a safe and fun environment".