“We are delighted to be able to support SL Colliers Future Clubz programme which will enable them to link up with Primary Schools around Calderglen HS. We know that the Colliers are working hard in partnership with Reach For the Sky to make basketball happen in South Lanarkshire, a region where there is a huge gap for basketball so hat off to all the people involved for their effort.

 

"With a good club structure, quality coaching and a clear vision, we have no doubt that this club will be successful in producing great players and people in the coming years”

Jay Runga, Club Development Manager, basketballscotland

 

Engaging with primary school pupils is one of the keys to growth within our club. We kicked off our ‘Future Club’ programme within the Calderglen primary school cluster on the 13^th of January 2014. We will deliver to all 8 primary schools over an 8 week period working with up to 250 primary 7 pupils.

 

The programme is funded by Basketball Scotland which allows chosen clubs to teach basketball to young people who otherwise might not have the opportunity. It also helps clubs attract new players and help them step up to participate in competitive basketball.

 

So far, Club Development Officer Ross Hutton has picked out 5 pupils who have really stood out (3 from Hunter Primary and 2 from Heatheryknowe Primary). All have been invited along to the U12 Colliers practice session and one in particular (Laura Thompson, Hunter Primary) has been nominated to attend the ‘Future Starz’ U12 programme. The next step for Laura would be to break into the Scotland U12 girl’s squad.

 

Another by-product is that so far, 5 pupils attended the RFTSB Academy at the Ally McCoist Complex.

 

“There will be several more pupils picked out over the next few weeks which is extremely exciting. I have really enjoyed delivering the programme to the schools who have all welcomed it with open arms. Some teachers take notes and have asked for drills and skills practices they can use as they want to keep it going after the programme ends. Finding new talented players is great but I am also on the lookout for pupils who have great character and show they are willing to learn and work hard,”

Ross Hutton, Colliers Club Development Officer.

 

“Working in partnership with the SL Colliers to deliver the ‘Future Clubz’ programme is a great opportunity. The programme will give the children taking part the chance to experience a sport that they may never have played before.

"The programme will also allow the SL Colliers and Reach for the Sky to strengthin links with local schools which in turn will increase awareness of the sport and increase participation,”

Ross Rankin, Project Coordinator, Reach for the Sky Basketball.