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March 17, 2023
The National Basketball Association (NBA), the Mayor of London and Basketball England have launched a new program to help develop the next generation of coaches in London and positively impact thousands of young players across the city. The London Coaches Program will also provide employment opportunities, mentoring and life skill training to aspiring coaches aged 16-30, specifically targeting underserved communities in the capital.
Studies from UK Coaching suggest that there are significant gaps in the demographics, backgrounds and experiences of coaches in the UK. Over half do not have any formal coaching qualifications. Only 22% of coaches are from an ethnically diverse background and only 35% are from a low socio-economic background.
The three-year program will kick-off in the Spring and intends to create a network of development, training and delivery opportunities for 500 new community coaches. As well as receiving education, development and mentoring – both on and off the court – the coaches will build confidence and be provided with training that ensures that they’re able to support youth from ethnically diverse, deprived or underserved backgrounds.
As part of the program, the coaches will also support around 20,000 youngsters as part of Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s promise to give 100,000 people a mentor. The 12-month education and training program will include a community coach education and qualification certificate from Basketball England, first-aid and safeguard training, mental health education and access to educational resources and in-person clinics.
The March 14 launch event included Khan, NBA Europe and Middle East Managing Director Ralph Rivera and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer and 11-time NBA All-Star Allen Iverson. More than 200 aspiring coaches and local basketball stakeholders were in attendance, along with 20 local school children who took part in on-court activities led by Iverson.
“These coaches will not only help unearth the next generation of London basketball stars but will act as mentors and role models in their communities as they utilize the power of sport to change lives for the better,” said Khan.
The program comes alongside a string of initiatives in response to young Londoners feeling that there’s a lack of courts, facilities and coaching in the city. “Cricket, football, boxing changed my life, so it’s really important for others to have the opportunity,” shared Khan, adding that the scheme would also help tackle violent crime.
The program is free for aspiring coaches who live in London. Interested candidates can express their interest by applying for the program before March 31.
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