NBA, Mayor of London & BE launch London coaching programme - Hoopsfix.com

NBA, Mayor of London & BE launch London coaching programme

London Coaches Program Launch NBA

The NBA, the Mayor of London and Basketball England today announced the launch of the “London Coaches Program,” a collaboration to develop the next generation of basketball coaches in England’s capital.

The London Coaches Program is a £1.1million investment (£500,000 from City Hall, and £600,000 from the NBA) that will train 500 aspiring London-based coaches ages 16-30 over the next two years, to reach thousands of young players across the city.

Over the course of the free program, participants will receive a Basketball England Community Coach Education and Qualification, license and insurance, as well as first aid training, mental health and welfare education, access to NBA and Basketball England resources and more.

The curriculum, which includes in-person and virtual training sessions such as Q&As with NBA coaching staff, as well as a mentoring component, was developed by the NBA’s International Basketball Operations department in consultation with current and former NBA coaches, Basketball England and Mayor Sadiq Khan’s office.

The announcement was made today at a launch event in London by London Mayor Sadiq Khan and NBA Europe and Middle East Managing Director Ralph Rivera, who were joined by Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer and 11-time NBA All-Star Allen Iverson.

“I am delighted to be working with the NBA and Basketball England to fund this life-changing opportunity to London’s next generation of basketball coaches,” said Khan.

“These coaches will not only help unearth the next generation of London basketball stars, but will act as mentors and role models in their communities as they utilise the power of sport to change lives for the better.

“London is now the sporting capital of the world, from grassroots to the elite level and it all starts with our top talent receiving the best possible coaching. I look forward to seeing the results of this collaboration in the months and years to come as we help build a better London for everyone.”

The event welcomed more than 200 aspiring coaches and local basketball stakeholders, along with 20 local school children who took part in on-court activities led by Iverson.

“Basketball is of immense value to society, providing support and direction for many, including those from underserved communities,” said Basketball England CEO Stewart Kellett.

“We are proud to be working alongside the NBA and the Mayor of London to deliver this programme and train a cohort of great basketball coaches that can change and positively influence not only their own lives, but the lives of thousands of young Londoners.”

The London Coaches Program will tip off in Spring 2023 and will be led by a dedicated Program Director who will be announced in the coming months.

“Collaborating with Mayor Khan and Basketball England to train the next generation of coaches in London is a logical next step in our ongoing efforts to grow basketball at the grassroots level in England,” said Rivera.

“High-quality coaching is critical in getting more youth to learn and play the game the right way, and the London Coaches Program will give coaches the tools, resources, and techniques they need to grow interest and participation in their local communities. We thank Mayor Khan and Basketball England for their support and belief in the impact this program can have on elevating the sport.”

Aspiring coaches can register their interest to take part in the program here.

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