In February 2012 a basketball expo was held with Logan Thunder Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) to encourage children to get involved in basketball as part of the Active After-school Communities (AASC) program. The event was quite successful with 10 schools requesting players visit their AASC programs and promote the sport further. Seven players also expressed interest to become community coaches to deliver basketball activities in the AASC program across South East Queensland.

On October 15, 2012 a Community Coach Training Program (CCTP) was conducted to provide training for these players however, prior to the CCTP course, AASC Regional Coordinators, Duncan Aldred and Greg Fox, felt it was important to build a stronger relationship with members of the club and discuss ways to create more opportunities for local children to transition into basketball in the future.

As part of this process, Aldred attended the season launch of the Logan Thunder WNBL where he met members of the board to discuss future opportunities – including the engagement of players in the CCTP course, then delivery of basketball activities in the AASC program. The meeting developed into discussions about how best to promote the game of basketball in the Logan community and how the Logan Thunder WNBL could support local clubs to attract more people to the sport. Subsequently, a total of seven players attended the free CCTP course, which was held at their home ground. They are now available to deliver basketball sessions in their community and provide children with hands on experience of the game. 

“Having spent time getting to know these players, I was very confident they would be highly suitable for the AASC program,” said AASC Regional Coordinator, Duncan Aldred. “They relate well to children of all ages and have previous experience in a range of coaching roles. This provides a win-win opportunity for the team and the local community”.

Many of the players represent the immediate and surrounding areas of South East Queensland. It is believed that having them involved in the AASC program is an ideal way to promote pathway opportunities that exist in basketball throughout the region as the majority have come through local junior programs themselves. An additional benefit to having these players involved in the program as community coaches is the support it will provide local associations who may struggle to find coaches to conduct junior programs.

A basketball ‘Come and Try’ day will be held for AASC participants in the region prior to the final home game of the season on February 1, 2013. This will coincide with the new season registration period.