The Steve Nash Youth Basketball program will be offered in the Comox Valley this fall on Mondays at Ecole Coeur-de-l'Ile for all ages from kindergarten to Grade 7.
In making the announcement, Hoops for Youth notes SNYB is about fair play, skill development and most of all, having fun while learning the fundamentals of basketball.
Hoops for Youth, under the leadership of varsity coaches Jouska Lockquell and Tom Elwood, saw the need to create more opportunities for youth to play basketball all year long. "Our senior athletes always tell us that they wish they could have started playing basketball earlier," explains Lockquell. As a mother of a four and an eight year old, Lockquell recognizes that basketball is known in the Valley as a high school sport. "For some parents, when they talk about basketball they think of a big heavy ball and a 10-foot high basket. They don't think their kids can shoot the ball that high! But if you look around the larger communities you will find young players that are great little hoopsters.
"Like soccer, basketball's progressions start with a smaller lighter ball, six-foot hoops, basics skills, lots of skilled-based games, 3-on-3 and lots of positive feedback. SNYB is designed to develop fundamental skills, sportsmanship and a love for the game of basketball."
This summer, over 15 coaches gained NCCP certification with the Women Basketball National Olympic team coaches Alison and Mike McNeill from BC Basketball. "With the NCCP certification, we are making sure that we not only have enthusiastic and passionate leaders, but also have coaches that follow Sport Canada's Long term Athlete Development Model and the national guideline in basketball," adds Lockquell.
"We want to offer a program where every player has the chance to celebrate their development. With a ratio of four players to one certified NCCP coach, the players get the opportunity to maximize their potential, build character and self-esteem."
Registrations are open now until Sept. 9. Kindergarten-Grade 1 (4-5 p.m.), Grade 2-3-4 Wednesday (5-6 p.m),
Grade 5-6-7 Tuesday (6-7 p.m.).
Cost is $70 which includes a Steve Nash jersey. For more info or to get a registration form, e-mail isfeldlockquell@gmail.com.
– Hoops for Youth