Were you a keen basketball player as a youngster, or did you enjoy watching games?

Ipswich Star: Suffolk Junior Under 19 basketball team in 1988Suffolk Junior Under 19 basketball team in 1988 (Image: Archant)

Today we are looking back at the popular sport around the area over the years.

Ipswich Star: Bury Bombers wheelchair basketball team training at the County Upper School in Bury St Edmunds in 2006Bury Bombers wheelchair basketball team training at the County Upper School in Bury St Edmunds in 2006 (Image: Archant)

Back in the 1980s and 90s, the Ipswich Bobcats women's basketball team were major players on the national basketball scene, and our gallery features photos of the club.

Ipswich Star: The basketball team at Orwell High School in Felixstowe in April 1976The basketball team at Orwell High School in Felixstowe in April 1976 (Image: Archant)

Also featured here are basketball events, tournaments and school teams from around the area, from the 1970s through to the 2000s.

Ipswich Star: Ipswich Bobcats Ladies Basketball Team in March 1985Ipswich Bobcats Ladies Basketball Team in March 1985 (Image: Archant)

Can you spot yourself or any of your friends or family in the photos?

Ipswich Star: St Alban's School Ipswich basketball team in April 1983St Alban's School Ipswich basketball team in April 1983 (Image: Archant)

The sport of basketball was invented in 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts by a Canadian PE instructor, James Naismith, who wanted to find an indoor sport for winter and also one that would cause less injuries than football.

Ipswich Star: Students from Northgate High School compete in an Under 19s basketball match in 1982Students from Northgate High School compete in an Under 19s basketball match in 1982 (Image: Archant)

It quickly caught on and became popular during the 20th century. The sport was taken up in England within a year of being invented, with the YMCA promoting the sport here.

Ipswich Star: Kesgrave Basketball Club in a picture taken around 1970Kesgrave Basketball Club in a picture taken around 1970 (Image: Archant)

Do these photos bring back memories? Email judy.rimmer@archant.co.uk To order photos, visit our website or call Diane Townsend on on 01603 772449.

Ipswich Star: The Ipswich Bobcats basketball team getting some tips at training in 1985The Ipswich Bobcats basketball team getting some tips at training in 1985 (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Youngsters warming up before the start of the Suffolk Youth Games basketball training session at Leiston Leisure Centre in 2005Youngsters warming up before the start of the Suffolk Youth Games basketball training session at Leiston Leisure Centre in 2005 (Image: Archant)