🏀 Our Story: The Rise of Murrayside Spartans

The Murrayside Spartans were not born out of ambition for trophies or league titles—they were born out of community, curiosity, and a shared desire to create something meaningful for the youth of Ipswich.

It all began at the Murrayside Community Development Centre, where every Friday evening at 7pm, Pastor Penny hosted a youth club that quickly became a safe haven for young people in the Nacton area. These gatherings were more than just recreational—they were rooted in purpose. Each session began with a 30-minute Bible study, offering spiritual guidance and instilling values of respect, empathy, and integrity. Afterward, the kids engaged in a variety of activities designed to foster joy, creativity, and connection.

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In June 2022, a new chapter unfolded when Johann Pokam, a recent arrival to Ipswich and a high-level basketball player, joined the youth club as a volunteer. At the time, Johann was unfamiliar with the local community, but his passion for basketball was unmistakable. He often trained individually at the centre, running drills and refining his skills. His presence didn’t go unnoticed—curious eyes watched from the sidelines, and soon, the kids began asking questions, eager to understand the sport that Johann so clearly loved.

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What started as casual interest quickly grew into active participation. On Fridays, basketball was introduced as part of the youth club’s activities. The children embraced it wholeheartedly. They laughed, competed, and learned. The court became a place of discovery—not just of a sport, but of themselves. The joy they expressed after each session was infectious, and it became clear that basketball was more than just a game—it was a tool for growth.

During the weekdays, Johann continued his training, and slowly, a few brave kids began joining him. They showed up at 4pm, eager to learn, eager to improve. Word spread quickly. More children came. What was once a solo routine became a community ritual. The drills became sharper, the commitment deeper. The youth club had sparked something powerful—a basketball culture was taking root at Murrayside.

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As the momentum built, so did the vision. The kids weren’t just playing—they were dreaming. They wanted to compete, to represent their community, to wear a jersey that meant something. Inspired by their dedication, Johann began shaping the idea of a team . The Murrayside Spartans project was born—not just as a basketball team, but as a platform to teach discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.

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The centre, once known primarily for boxing and martial arts, now echoed with the rhythm of basketball. The sport brought a new energy to the space—a sense of unity and purpose. Competitive sessions were introduced on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, giving the kids structure and routine. The program attracted the attention of two seasoned basketball minds: Samuel Kabogoza and Hansel Brennand. Both men brought not only skill, but heart. They invested their time to mentor the kids, sharing the deeper philosophies of basketball and helping them grow both on and off the court.

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By the summer of 2023, the Spartans had evolved from a grassroots initiative into a fully-fledged team. After months of training, bonding, and dreaming, the decision was made to register for the Suffolk County Local League Division 2 for the 2024–2025 season. It was a bold move—many were hesitant about competing in a men’s league as this would be a first experience for most—but the Spartans were ready. Led by Head Coach Samuel Kabogoza and Assistant Coach Hansel Brennand, a team of 14 players proudly signed up to represent the Murrayside Community Development Centre.

Their home court for league games was set at Goals, while training continued at the community centre. This dual setup gave the players a taste of what it means to be part of a serious team—balancing preparation with performance, and learning to adapt to different environments. It wasn’t easy. There were challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But through it all, the Spartans held firm. They leaned on each other, trusted their coaches, and stayed true to the values that had brought them together.

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In their debut season, the Murrayside Spartans sealed their first victory—a moment that symbolized not just athletic success, but the triumph of community spirit, hard work, and belief. They had gone from curious spectators to disciplined athletes. From a youth club activity to a registered team. From a dream to a reality.

Today, the Murrayside Spartans continue to grow. We are more than a basketball team—we are a movement. A family. A symbol of what’s possible when passion meets purpose. Our story is still being written, and we invite you to be part of it.