Chairman of Mildenhall Pirates Overwhelmed as Club Marks 10th Anniversary
Mildenhall Pirates celebrate a decade of basketball with chairman Steve Gunn reflecting on their journey and community impact
Mildenhall, Suffolk, Basketball, Mildenhall Pirates, 10th Anniversary
Mildenhall: The chairman of the Mildenhall Pirates feels overwhelmed. His basketball club is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Steve Gunn, 56, helped start the Pirates. He has seen the club grow over the years.
Steve lives in Mildenhall. He has been with the Pirates since they began in 2014.
The club started in the Suffolk league and moved to the Cambridge league later.
Steve wanted to play basketball locally. He asked people to join, and it grew from there.
He has enjoyed every moment. The anniversary has been an emotional journey for him.
Steve feels proud of what they have built together. It’s something to treasure.
The Pirates train every Friday from 7 PM to 9 PM at the Mildenhall Hub.
Steve, along with coach Peter Langford and conditioning coach Joseph Daguerre, founded the club.
Joseph arranged a new kit to celebrate the 10-year milestone.
Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of skill level. It’s a community effort.
Steve emphasizes that basketball is more than just a game. They support each other on and off the court.
Many Pirates have achieved great things. Some are studying degrees, and one is graduating as a nurse.
Recently, they welcomed their first Pirates baby. One member is now a new father.
In September 2024, the Pirates merged with the Mildenhall Jets. They are in their second season now.
There are five Jets teams training at the Mildenhall Hub, for various age groups.
Lisa Gladstone, treasurer for the Jets, is proud of their connection to the Pirates.
She recognizes the hard work that has kept the club going for over a decade.
It’s an exciting time for everyone involved.