Ytrebygda Basketball Club (YBBK) Sets The Bar For Youth Development And Social Responsibility

In Ytrebygda Basketball Club (YBBK) good manners, true character and social responsibility constitute the very foundation of true sportsmanship, both within the club and the extended collaboration with other sports through Miljøplakaten Sandslihallen by NextGen Neighbor Network.

The 2026/27 basketball season was kicked off with a team-building day led by the club’s admirable and highly credible leadership. Prioritizing the club’s values and morals is a continuous key focus from YBBK leadership. This goes far beyond the basketball court: sportsmanship, respect, social responsibility, discipline, good manners and learning how to be part of a team culture and community.

Within YBBK, basketball is used as a vehicle to develop players and the entire human being through dual excellence; mastering school and sports. For the club, basketball is about creating a safe space where children and young people can experience achievement, belonging and personal growth.

Active Leaders Creating A Social Responsibility Ecosystem

Under the unwavering guidance and consistency of top coaches and leaders including Peter Bullock, Diana Steinberga, Sigurd Lorange, General Manager Arne Ingebrigtsen, the YBBK board, and the wider YBBK community, young boys are surrounded by adults who actively live by sportsmanship and represent stability, predictability and quality social responsibility. This includes active roles in NextGen Neighbor Network’s Miljøplakaten and collaboration with other community leaders such as Miriam Danielsen, Project Coordinator for all Miljøplakaten in Bergen, other basketball clubs, after school programs, and Basketakademiet; a joint social responsibility between basketball clubs in Bergen. This is an example of how an ecosystem of responsible adults can be created and where youth are validated for their social capital and everyone feels a sense of belonging.

The successful social responsibility model and its dynamic leadership is effectively working. Ytrebygda Basketballklubb (YBBK) continued growth is increasingly constrained by access to suitable sports halls, available court time, and the financial resources required to maintain high-quality coaching and programme delivery.

A Pillar To The Community: Coach Peter Bullock   

Coach Peter Bullock has made a significant difference to the G2014 boys, many of whom he has trained since the age of four through his Saturday Basketball Programme at Hjellestad School. Through his consistent work and unique ability to meet children where they are, he is nurturing confidence and security within. Together with Diana Steinberga, he creates an environment where the players are seen, given clear boundaries and encouraged to develop from within, both on and off the court.

Known for being the “King of Hearts” to many, Coach Peter is a true legend. His influence as a coach for both YBBK and for his very own Saturday basketball program reaches children from 13 schools in Bergen every week; Aurdalslia, Skranevatnet, Søreide, Liland, Ytrebygda, Kirkevoll, Hjellestad, Paradis, Hop, Minde, Hordvik, Arna and the International School of Bergen (ISB). The young players are privileged to share a close bond with one of the greatest sports legends in Norway.

For Peter, sportsmanship goes beyond winning or losing; it’s about how you play the game, how you treat your teammates, opponents, and even yourself. He teaches his players that being a good team member means showing up with a positive attitude, being ready to learn, and always giving your best effort. Off the court, this philosophy extends to how they interact with others—whether it's showing kindness to a classmate, being honest in difficult situations, or doing community work or fundraising for the team's yearly trip abroad.

Peter emphasizes that the lessons learned through sports—teamwork, perseverance, and respect—are the same values that will guide them throughout life. He encourages his players to reflect on their actions, understand their impact on others, and always strive to be better, not just as athletes but as individuals. By fostering a culture of mutual respect and ethical behavior, Peter instills in his players a deep understanding that true success is measured by the character they build along the way.

Peter’s commitment has also brought the parents together. Club president Marianne Tveit Haavind and board member Per-Knut Gjersvik are among those who have become involved in the club’s continued development. YBBK also has a long tradition of dedicated people who make a difference, including Karina and Simen Prestegård, as well as Stig Jacobsen, who is still involved with the club today and provides jerseys to the entire club and basketball community in Bergen.

Through its Leadership Development project (https://www.ytrebygdabasket.no/lederutvikling), the club is investing in future coaches and leaders. Young players are given responsibility, practical experience and the opportunity to grow into role models. The goal is to give young people valuable experience, while building competence and ensuring the club’s continued development.

Building a strong sense of community is a central part of YBBK’s philosophy. Every week, the club organises training sessions across age groups such as Skills Training on Friday nights along with Open Arenas. This gives younger and older players the opportunity to train together, learn from one another, be social together, and build lasting relationships. These sessions are an important tool for creating unity, confidence, and a sense of belonging throughout the club.

YBBK also hosts joint youth evenings through the award winning, Miljøplakaten, such as movie nights for all teenagers within Sandslihallen. These initiatives are designed to strengthen social bonds, promote inclusion, and create a sense of safety and belonging for everyone involved in the club.

The Epitome Of Leadership

Strong and visible leaders constitute the very foundation of YBBK across all levels from coaches, leaders, board members, parents, and volunteers. Coach Peter Bullock is the epitome of such leadership building a positive culture within YBBK and the surrounding community.

“Peter is both an excellent coach and a great role model for all children and youth. He gives the boys discipline and a focused mindset, nurtures development, and thrives off their achievements.” - Arne Ingebrigsten, General Manager

Action Is Needed - How To Help 

This growth also brings challenges related to gym availability, finances and recruiting coaches. Basketball is still a niche sport in Norway, and it can be difficult to find coaches who have both the right sporting expertise and the ability to build strong, trusting relationships. That’s why the club relies on paid coaches to ensure continuity and quality.

YBBK receives support from organisations including Meteva Sport og Helse, Victoria Gruppen, Sparebanken Norge and Servicealliansen. At the same time, the club needs more local partners and more long-term financial support. YBBK can gratefully announce their newest contributor, FotMob, a perfect example of how a local business can and should be part of their local youth development. 

Local businesses have an opportunity to contribute to social responsibility by supporting good sports clubs and cultural activities in the local community. When businesses support initiatives like YBBK, they help create safe and positive meeting places for children and young people—and help build a stronger local community, feeding into a broader ecosystem where social responsibility serves as the foundation.