The Bristol Flyers family came together last week for their annual Club Presentation, celebrating an incredible 2024/25 season across all age groups.
From the youngest Under-12s to the senior National League sides, it was a day that truly showcased the depth of talent and dedication within this remarkable basketball community.
A Day to Remember
The afternoon brought together players, coaches, families, and supporters to recognise the outstanding achievements across every level of the club. What struck me most about this celebration was how it perfectly embodies the values we champion at The Finance Factory - supporting local talent, investing in the future, and celebrating the success that comes from hard work and dedication.
Outstanding Individual Achievements
The evening highlighted some truly exceptional performances:
Including - Andy Simmonds - yes, that's me! – I was honoured to receive the Vince Marriott Coach of the Year Award for my work with the U12s Boys team. This recognition means the world to me, especially knowing how much these young lads have grown throughout the season. Coaching these talented youngsters has been one of the most rewarding experiences, watching them develop not just as players but as confident young people.
Rising Stars Across All Age Groups
The evening celebrated Most Valuable and Most Improved Players across every age group and I would like to congratulate them all personally for their hard work this season.
International Recognition
Perhaps most impressively, ten young players received recognition for their international call-ups this season, representing England, Wales, and Great Britain at various youth levels.
Why This Matters to Local Business
As a local business owner and proud supporter of Bristol Flyers, events like this remind me why investing in our community is so important. These young athletes represent the future of our city - they're learning discipline, teamwork, leadership, and resilience. The same qualities that make successful athletes also make successful business leaders and entrepreneurs.
At THE FINANCE FACTORY, we understand that supporting local talent isn't just about giving back - it's about investing in the future of Bristol's business community. Many of these young people will go on to start their own businesses, and when they do, we'll be here to help them access the finance they need to grow and succeed.
Looking Forward
The 2024/25 season may be over, but the foundations laid this year will support these athletes for years to come. As someone who's been privileged to play a small part in their development, I couldn't be prouder of what this club achieves year after year.
Congratulations to all the award winners and to everyone who contributed to making this season such a success. Here's to an even more exciting 2025/26 season ahead!
The Finance Factory Ltd is proud to support Bristol Flyers and local talent development. If you're a local business looking to access finance for growth, get in touch with us at hello@thefinancefactoryltd.co.uk or call 01173790334.