OPENING THE DOOR FOR KIDS TO FALL IN LOVE WITH BASKETBALL
The holidays are a reflective time of year. We’ve been thinking a lot about resiliency in light of the times we’re in and how basketball is such a powerful tool for building those life skills. Recently, USABF Chief Development Officer Jennifer Lynne Williams had the chance to chat with some of our Youth Development Basketball coaches and the stories they shared were really touching.
Many of USA Basketball’s Youth Camp and Clinic participants have never played the sport before. And that is precisely why it is such a valuable opportunity, Coach Cameron Price shared with Jennifer. Life is full of surprises, obstacles, and uncertainties. We don’t always get to rehearse before we respond, but by practicing new skills in a gym, young players develop the confidence to step into the unknown and trust their abilities.
Cameron told me about a group of players in his clinic this summer that were all newbies to basketball. At first, they were nervous. With a little encouragement and incremental skill demonstrations, Cameron was able to coax them onto the court to give basketball a try. Fast forward to the end of the day, and all of them were asking for more; they loved the game, and as Cameron put it, “Who knows where that will take them?” Success.
This is the power of coaching young people: USA Basketball opens the door for them to fall in love with the sport. These kids will remember their first time playing ball for the rest of their lives because all the skills they learn are transferable to their everyday experiences.
Grab a cup of coffee and take a couple of minutes to listen to my full conversation with Coach Cameron. As a basketball fan, I promise it will bring a smile to your face.
Cheers and Happy Holidays from all of us at USA Basketball Foundation!
The USA Basketball Foundation is rigorously investing in youth basketball programming to increase the mental and physical well being of young athletes across the nation. Donate today and help us get young people moving, and most importantly, dreaming again in 2022.