Sharks and Hatters Heritage Project

The Sheffield Hatters and Sheffield Sharks are working together to develop an application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support a two and a half year project to collect, record and share the amazing stories that both teams have as basketball pioneers. 

You can help us by completing an online questionnaire that we’ve put together here https://forms.gle/3xU3LFC9z97Sgaq49 It’s for anyone whether you’re a fan, a player, work for the club, are a sponsor, are involved in any way or have no connection at all. What we’re looking to do is understand more about who could be involved in the project, what’s important to you in terms of favourites stories about the teams and what you’d like to see the project do if the funding application is successful. Any thoughts or ideas will make a massive difference in supporting and developing the project, increasing its chance of success. 

The Hatters and Sharks are both pioneers in British basketball. The Hatters were the first female basketball team in England, going on to become the most successful team in the UK. They celebrate their 65th anniversary in 2026. The Sharks followed on from the women’s team and became one of the most decorated teams in British basketball history. They celebrate their 30th anniversary at the start of the 2024/25 season in September of this year.

The Heritage Project would employ a project officer to develop, lead and manage the project, working with the clubs, the fans and a range of partners. There is no definitive record of the history of both clubs and with the recent move to a new, purpose built, permanent stadium – the Canon Medical Arena - there is an opportunity to collect and record the rich histories of both clubs, sharing them to a wider audience. We’ve already discussed some fascinating stories and uncovered some old kits, awards and information. These are worth protecting and sharing to more people. 

The project is looking to organise a range of events, collect memorabilia fans and players may have, pull together information about players who have played for the clubs, record interviews with people who have interesting stories to share, put on displays and exhibitions in the Canon Medical Arena, run workshops, involve volunteers and carry out research. The project is all about celebrating the pioneers, the stories and the achievements making more people in Sheffield and beyond aware of how important the Hatters and Sharks are.

We’d appreciate your feedback by 8pm on 7th July.

If you’ve got any questions then email heritage@thesheffieldsharks.com