Blue Cranes Basketball Club ’s Post

Here is a fantastic article by Christopher Penrose on basketball accessibility, published this week by Sport Information Resource Centre - Le Centre de documentation pour le sport (SIRC). He covers all the angles: why basketball matters, the national context, the issues, what needs to change, and Lay-Up's inspiring programming model. Big up yourselves Lay-Up!

Great article on the promise of a more accessible and level basketball playing field in the GTA and beyond. Good works Chris (and thanks for the share Marika)!

PIECES: The Basketball Blueprint Chapter Preview Performance: In the pursuit of basketball excellence, where every dribble crafts the path to greatness, it is essential to maintain academic performance and envelope your lifestyle in the game. For young athletes investing 4-6 days per week in basketball, if on club teams that play weekend tournaments, participation is not just about playing; it’s about thriving in every playable moment. To truly harness the game’s full potential, a player should be on the court for at least three-quarters of each game during a tournament, with a minimum involvement of half the game’s duration — anything less, unless for disciplinary reasons, is a missed opportunity for growth. In a setting where games often operate under 6-minute quarters with running clocks, every second on the court is invaluable. This is the grinder where nuances are carved into skillset and mindset. Where the rhythm of the game becomes a part of you. Here, young athletes learn more than just tactics; they absorb the essence of teamwork and the dynamics that transform a group of players into a unified entity. courtsideace.com

Massive Transformational Purpose: "To partner with American basketball families, trainers, and entrepreneurs across the United States to provide the world’s best basketball developmental experience by establishing a network of No Backboard Basketball Training  Gyms. We aim to produce the world's most skilled basketball athletes, produce the world's best recreational basketball competitions, and create the world's best basketball entertainment content.  By creating  this new, alternative basketball platform, we hope to unlock untapped wealth and provide opportunities for competitive athletes, content creators, and conscious capitalists to come together to build and usher in a new era in basketball." marknobackboard@gmail.com

This weekend, as we know, lives and legacies will change for quite a few famous athletes and coaches. But, more importantly - on courts and fields all across America, b/c of the Buffalo Wild Wings Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, other lives will be changing this weekend, too. We often hear about #teamwork, #workethic, #practice, #learninghowtowin and #learninghowtolose when talking about access to team sports. But, what about #creativity? If you have ever watched Patrick Mahommes, Allen Iverson or Alyssa Thompson, you know creativity isn't just expressed with a paintbrush or a piano! https://lnkd.in/ePJ29X4B

Did you know that there is a sport designed specifically for athletes with a vision impairment? It is called goalball. It was invented in 1946 to help rehabilitate veterans who lost their sight during the Second World War. Participants compete in teams of three, and try to throw a ball that has bells embedded inside of it into the opponents’ goal. Participants use their body to attempt to block the ball. The court is slightly smaller than a volleyball court. The South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind’s girl’s goalball team is coached by Head Coach, Mary Lister and Assistant Coach, Sara Brownlee. This group of athletes compete against other students in the United States Association for Blind Athletes. They also compete in the Eastern Association for the Blind tournaments and in the National Youth Goalball Championship every year. These competitions take place all over the United States. The Foundation provides travel, lodging, meals, and sets up tours for these students when they are competing away from home. They have been on tours to learn about cities in places such as Alabama, Virginia, and Georgia. During their recent visit to Savannah, Georgia, they were able to ride the Trolley and also visit Tybee Island. Playing sports has many benefits for students. Many athletes do better academically and sports teach teamwork and problem-solving skills. In addition to the physical benefits of sports, they help boost self-esteem. An added benefit for the students at the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind is that playing sports exposes them to people and places they may not otherwise have a chance to experience. They also get a chance to practice the real life skills they learn on our campus. Pictured in the upper left is the 2023-2024 girl’s goalball team in green jerseys with their coaches on either end of the team. Pictured in the bottom right is the goalball team practicing. You can see the goal on the far end of the court. #scsdb #engageempowerequip #daysofgiving #demisemideptcentennial #day11

The big machine will swallow you quickly. This is WITHOUT High School Soccer. Look, we are not anti-league. Just how many players do the platforms help form a player development standpoint? We just ask relevant questions and offer an alternative pathway; - Is the distance worth it? - What is the extra financial cost to the travel? - Do you miss family time because of extensive travel? - Do your academics suffer? - What are you playing for? - Is the coaching specific (how many teams does YOUR coach have?) - Do you have Sports Scientist on staff? - Does the club promote the team and players to the RIGHT schools? - Is the communication transparent? - Is there a good soccer/life balance. - Is the ‘exposure’ real or a façade? The thought that is has to be a 24/7 Rise and Grind, All or Nothing attitude doesn’t exist elsewhere and yet players still go on. At TTi we will host matches, go to showcases, support high school soccer, go on tours (Chelsea FC, Monterey, Rome 2024) and give true holistic player development for players in Houston.  Come and trial with TTi FC November 5th – 17th – https://lnkd.in/gu3MNRpE Our Values - Compassion | Be Bold | Will to Win | Calmness Go to www.ttisoccer.com to find out more about TTi FC.

Stack Sports has joined nearly 20 partner organizations for The Aspen Institute’s new #63X30 Vision, aimed at getting 63% of youth playing sports by 2030. As of today it is estimated only 54% of children ages 6-17 in the U.S. played on a team or took lessons in 2022. As one of the partner organizations, Stack Sports joins the other partnering organizations in committing to taking actions that can get and keep more children playing sports, from creating affordable programs in underserved neighborhoods to promoting multi-sport sampling to developing more coaches to serve children’s needs. Read more about the new initiative→ https://lnkd.in/gbq5Wz4k

FOSTER THE BEST PLAYING ENVIRONMENT Question: This format presented by ECNL, where does it fit into the strategic plan “pillar” mentioned above? Curious to hear people’s view on this. Is change needed or not? What are the alternatives? More local stages? A more merit driven approach? Less teams qualify? More single elimination games? A more league based approach where only the league winners advance? Who does it benefit the most? Players? Parents? Referees? Clubs? Assignors? League administrators? Is it value for money? What are the impacts on family life? Do colleges have too big a say? Is college soccer driving this format? Should US Soccer be pandering to college soccer that is not a member association? Really looking forward to hearing people’s thoughts on this!

Kickstarting Your Child's Football Journey! Introducing your little ones to the world of football isn't just fun—it's a developmental leap! Starting football during toddler years is perfect as your child hits key milestones. But remember, setting realistic expectations is crucial to make this journey enriching and enjoyable for both parent and child. In our latest blog, we dive into what these expectations could look like and how you can help create a positive football experience from the start: https://lnkd.in/daqjEGFd