Basketball Australia is excited to announce that with the support of the Australian Sports Commission, funding for coach education will be provided to WNBL players which will give them the opportunity to become accredited coaches under Basketball Australia’s National Coaching Accreditation Scheme and endorsed to deliver Vicinity Centres Aussie Hoops programs through Sporting Schools.
The grant will continue to help strengthen the link between school children and their local sports clubs while cementing the athletes of the WNBL as accessible role models in the community. Beginning in February, 20 players from all eight WNBL clubs will receive access to Community and Club Coach education tailored for the Vicinity Centres Aussie Hoops program, which covers the most leading-edge techniques to engage kids in basketball. All relevant course costs including travel and Working with Children checks will also be covered and once completed, athletes will be able to conduct extra work during and outside the WNBL season. The course also offers players an avenue for continued involvement in the game once their playing career is over and pass their passion for the game onto the next generation of Opals and Boomers. For Basketball Australia’s project lead and current WNBL player Tegan Cunningham, the grant holds special significance. “This is a great chance for players to expand themselves and start coaching, and is something I would have loved to undertake when I was starting in the WNBL.” While this will be beneficial for the players, the WNBL will also profit from the grant with further promotion provided to key demographics while also bringing the league into focus for new fans. For Maddie Garrick of the Deakin Melbourne Boomers, coaching Vicinity Centres Aussie Hoops through Sporting Schools has proven to form a great outlet as she balances her studies and WNBL commitments. “It’s a fantastic opportunity as an athlete to get involved in the community and provide kids with the essential skills to foster a lifelong interest in sport.” For more information about the Vicinity Centres Aussie Hoops program through Sporting Schools including teachers wanting to book a Term 1 program, head to www.sportingschools.gov.au. Contact: Darren Anderson Community Basketball Manager Basketball Australia Darren.anderson@basketball.net.au (03) 9847 2348
