Two New Sports Documentary Series - Boot Dreams: Now or Never and Ballers: Ball or Nothing - get underway on BBC Three this Summer

Both series will give viewers a unique insight into the world of professional sport in the UK, with Boot Dreams: Now or Never following a group of players rejected by some of Britain’s top football clubs who are all trying to achieve their dream once more whilst Ballers: Ball or Nothing steps inside the world of professional basketball in the UK, following the story of Scotland’s only professional basketball team over the course of one season.

Nasfim Haque, Head of Content for BBC Three says: “Playing professional sport for young people is a dream for many and these two series follow the challenges and dedication of what it takes to make it and we are looking forward to showcasing these unique stories on BBC Three."

Boot Dreams kicks off on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer this Summer whilst Ballers: Ball or Nothing will debut on BBC Scotland and will also be available on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer a little later in the year.

Boot Dreams: Now or Never

6 x 60’

Made by Expectation, Boot Dreams is a six part documentary series which sees 16 footballers, aged 18 to 26, all rejected by top clubs, arrive at a unique training camp which aims to get them a new pro contract by helping them with their struggles, both on and off the pitch. Aspiring to get them back into the game, and dream job they love. Throughout the four-week process, they’ll also be visited at regular intervals by presenter Roman Kemp, who once dreamed of becoming pro himself, and wants to find out more about the experiences that have led them there.

Along the way, the boys will have access to professional mentors who will offer their perspective and guidance on the challenges they themselves have faced, including Manchester United and Portugal legend Bruno Fernandes, Lioness Millie Bright as well as Anton Ferdinand and Adebayo Akinfenwa. And there’s a surprise visit from the world record breaking football freestyler Liv Cooke.

Roman Kemp says: “It was incredible to be part of this series, which sees such talented young men get another chance at pursuing their dreams of playing professional football. As a football fan myself, it truly was a memorable journey, getting to know the players and supporting them in unlocking their potential, and I can’t wait for viewers to see it for themselves.”

Boot Dreams: Now or Never (6 x 60’) is an Expectation production for BBC Three and BBC iPlayer and was commissioned by Fiona Campbell, Controller for Youth Audiences, BBC Three and BBC iPlayer and Clare Sillery, Head of Documentary Commissioning, Content. The Executive Producers for Expectation are Colin Barr and Rachael Barnes, with Max Shapira series directing. The Commissioning Editors for the BBC are Carl Callam and Max Gogarty.

Ballers: Ball or Nothing

8 x 30’

Made by Renowned Films, Ballers: Ball or Nothing follows the story of Scotland’s only professional Basketball team. They start the series as The Glasgow Rocks but after new owners take over, are rebranded the Caledonia Gladiators. Made up of half home-grown Scottish talent and half imported from America the team are determined to break their 20-year drought of winning any silverware this season. With the new owners investing in better travel, players and even a new stadium, can the players and coaching staff live up to the expectation and achieve the impossible and finally win a trophy?

Ballers: Ball or Nothing (8 x 30’) is a Renowned Films production for BBC Three and BBC Scotland and was commissioned by Nasfim Haque, Head of Content for BBC Three and Louise Thornton, Senior Head of Multi-Platform Commissioning, BBC Scotland. The Executive Producers for Renowned Films are Kate Maddigan, Duane Jones, Max Welch and Tim Withers. The Commissioning Editors for the BBC are Neil McCallum and Steve Allen.

Detailed broadcast information for both series will be confirmed in due course.