Over the past two weekends, 230 of the nation’s most promising young athletes participated in the new U15 and U17 National Team evaluations. The change in age grade from U16 and U18 is to align with the Great Britain pathway and give our young players the best opportunity to compete on the international stage. Giving the young players a glimpse of the intensity and standards required to play internationally, those who impressed the coaches will be invited to attend National Training camps throughout the year. Perform at these and there is the opportunity to represent Scotland and then target a GB vest. Not only do players need to show their skills, but they also need to align with the basketballscotland values: Always Improve, Be Brave, Take Responsibility and Work as a Team
Guiding these young athletes were three esteemed coaches: Bart Sengers (Women’s Head Coach) and Darryl Wood (Men’s Head Coach), alongside Programme Lead, Donnie MacDonald. All three are fully aligned in developing a Scottish style of play and their differing styles of coaching will enhance the programme experience, and improve the young players involved.
For those who impressed the coaches with their on-court abilities and displayed desirable characteristics throughout the day, the journey is just beginning. These players will be invited to participate in a series of national camps, where they will benefit from intensive training and experiencing a high performance environment. The first of these camps is scheduled to commence in the week beginning 14th October.
At these camps, the young athletes will have the opportunity to refine their skills and build team chemistry, that will be needed for international competition. The camps will also serve as a platform for the coaches to implement training techniques and strategies, preparing the players for the challenges ahead. Additionally, coaches not directly involved in the National Team programme are encouraged to attend and observe the camps, allowing them to further educate themselves and enhance their own coaching skills.
The U15 and U17 National Team evaluations have set a high standard, highlighting the depth of young talent in Scottish basketball. The dedication and enthusiasm displayed by both the men and women over these past weekends are promising signs for the future of the sport in Scotland. With commitment and hard work under the guidance of skilled coaches and the support of a dedicated community, the journey ahead for these young athletes promises to be challenging yet rewarding one. The future of Scottish basketball looks incredibly bright, with a new generation of players ready to represent their country on the international stage.
Learn more about the National Teams Programme here
