The basketball courts at the Port Stephens PCYC club in Nelson Bay have reopened for the July school holidays and both the kids and coaching staff could not be happier.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Dan Howard, a highly rated basketball coach and mentor, said that the Austin Street facility would be open Monday to Friday during the school holidays from 9am-5pm and that both basketball and boxing would be available each day between 3pm and 5pm.
"Junior basketball skills training sessions will be held on Monday afternoons for the following ages: 5-8 years old 4-4.45pm, 9-12 years old 4.45-5.30pm, and 13-18 years from 5.30-6.15pm," he said.
"The under 14 and under 18 junior competitions will starting on July 20; Division 2 social men's competition kicks off on July 2; and the Division 1 social men's competition commences on July 23."
Howard said that while his 'Coach Dan Skills and Drills' videos had been hugely popular during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown, it was great to be reconnected with junior players on the basketball court and doing what he does best.
"Kids of all levels are welcome to come along and enjoy the game, it doesn't matter if you have never played before we can accommodate all-comers, of all levels and experience," he said.
"I posted a range of free basketball training drills for junior players of all ages and skill levels to do at home daily whilst in isolation. Anything from ball handling, to defensive drills to shooting," Howard said.
"I came up with the idea of helping with the development and skills training when the social distancing guidelines started rolling out. Initially, the videos were aimed at those basketball players that I coach in Port Stephens but it soon became bigger than I expected, reaching juniors from all across the state from beginners to state representative players."
Meanwhile, boxing is back at PCYC Raymond Terrace, with juniors (5-12) training from 5pm and seniors (13 and above) from 6pm. Phone 4983 1703.