Hoops and Dreams
A talented young basketball player from Ipswich is set to take her game to the next level after receiving a Team Sport Award from UK Power Networks.
Natalia Lawicka, 14, has been playing for Ipswich Basketball Club since the age of five. During her time with the club, she has won both the Under-18 National Cup, the 3-point contest at the 2025 All-Star event in Manchester and proudly represented Suffolk at regional level.
This year she has been chosen to represent England at the upcoming Four Nations tournament in Cardiff, marking a significant milestone in her sporting journey.
Natalia’s father, Jan Lawicki, a customer services advisor at UK Power Networks, applied for the organisation’s Team Sport Award scheme after recognising his daughter’s potential. The award will provide funding to support Natalia’s continued development, including access to private coaching sessions with England players to help her prepare for increasingly competitive matches and tournaments.
Basketball is a central part of family life for the Lawickis. Both Jan and his wife are actively involved in the Ipswich basketball community, with his wife recently competing in Division 2 of the Women’s National League, while Jan plays in a local amateur team.
Originating from Poland, Jan moved over to the UK as a child, and in time started a family. Now, the family feel very patriotic, being very proud of his daughter’s national achievements.
Jan said; “Ipswich is a lovely town and being a part of this amazing community means everything to us. It’s like a big family, full of support across all age groups.
As a father I feel extremely proud, watching her develop over the last few years, it was an amazing journey. Now watching her play with an English jersey on makes us all feel emotional.”
Started in 2012, The Team Sport Award offers grants to amateur sports teams which staff are involved with. Over the past three years, the initiative has supported over 340 team sports clubs, with more than £100K contributed through company donations.
Published: 07/07/2026
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Natalia Lawicka, 14, has been playing for Ipswich Basketball Club since the age of five. During her time with the club, she has won both the Under-18 National Cup, the 3-point contest at the 2025 All-Star event in Manchester and proudly represented Suffolk at regional level.
This year she has been chosen to represent England at the upcoming Four Nations tournament in Cardiff, marking a significant milestone in her sporting journey.
Natalia’s father, Jan Lawicki, a customer services advisor at UK Power Networks, applied for the organisation’s Team Sport Award scheme after recognising his daughter’s potential. The award will provide funding to support Natalia’s continued development, including access to private coaching sessions with England players to help her prepare for increasingly competitive matches and tournaments.
Basketball is a central part of family life for the Lawickis. Both Jan and his wife are actively involved in the Ipswich basketball community, with his wife recently competing in Division 2 of the Women’s National League, while Jan plays in a local amateur team.
Originating from Poland, Jan moved over to the UK as a child, and in time started a family. Now, the family feel very patriotic, being very proud of his daughter’s national achievements.
Jan said; “Ipswich is a lovely town and being a part of this amazing community means everything to us. It’s like a big family, full of support across all age groups.
As a father I feel extremely proud, watching her develop over the last few years, it was an amazing journey. Now watching her play with an English jersey on makes us all feel emotional.”
Started in 2012, The Team Sport Award offers grants to amateur sports teams which staff are involved with. Over the past three years, the initiative has supported over 340 team sports clubs, with more than £100K contributed through company donations.
Published: 07/07/2026
Back to news