TWO SOUTHAMPTON friends have dipped into their own pockets to fund a basketball court at a secondary school.

The new facility at Oasis Academy Lord's Hill was funded and built by former Redbridge students, Nathan Challis and Louis Moody.

The pair run Chapter 8 and Chapter 5, two road maintenance companies that have previously worked on the tarmacked flags in front of the Bargate. 

The 39-year-olds, who went to school together, took on the basketball court project after being contacted by former classmate and Lord's Hill teacher, Mo Missouri.

Mo said: "Our next step is to actually have a basketball club which is going to be sponsored by Nathan and everyone at Chapter 8 and Chapter 5.

"It's fantastic because not only have they built the basketball court over the summer which would have cost us around or over £14,000.

"They are giving the children equipment, uniforms, and a chance to play competitively and it's a top-quality court."

Headteacher, Benjamin Bond, 48, added: "It is already well loved and has been made to good use by the students during lunch breaks and after school as well.

"We hope to create a student-led basketball team supported by adults and many students are excited to get involved."

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Students Eimiya Kimene and Christelle Kpohomouh, both aged 15, are heading into their final year in secondary school. 

Eimiya said: "We finally have the chance for somewhere to play. We were used to playing in the school hall.

"If there was a basketball team, we would probably join it."

Chapter 8 has previously supported a Christmas present appeal and poppy appeal.

Nathan said: "We're a local company and we are always eager to help out. We've done a lot of charity work.

"Each year we tend to do something for a school so when Mo reached out it was a no-brainer and from the feedback I've got the kids are buzzing."

He added: "It's good to give back as a company, especially in the heart of where we grew up, and to be part of the community."

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