Basketball New Zealand

Basketball New Zealand

Bridging the gap between under-18 and international level basketball will be the aim of the newly established New Zealand Women’s Academy, to be based on the North Shore.

A joint initiative between Basketball New Zealand, the North Shore YMCA and Basketball Futures Academy (BFA) group, the Academy will provide a pathway for elite 18-22 year-old female players in New Zealand.

“There has been a development gap identified between graduating from the under-18 and the Junior Tall Ferns level and making the huge leap up to the national women’s team, the Tall Ferns,” BBNZ women’s basketball coordinator Leigh Gooding said.

“The Academy has come about through the strong relationship and backing of the North Shore YMCA and CEO John Fairhurst, and the Basketball Futures Academy group.

“Helen and Mike Lacey have been the driving forces in getting this programme to realisation, and as part of their proposal they have secured the backing of the YMCA for the next three years.”

The first Academy trial camp will be held December 12-14, with a further five camps to follow in 2009. All camps will be based out of the North Shore YMCA.

Part of the plan is for Auckland-based athletes to host out-of-town Academy members, in the hope of reducing the overall cost of the programme. Further to this, the Academy will also be approaching local government, businesses and sponsors for on-going support.

BBNZ has endorsed the Academy and will provide support via administration services, coaching support and promotion of the programme throughout the local associations and members.

The December camp will be utilised as the trial-and-selection camp for 2009, ensuring an equal and fair environment for all invited players to perform at their best. The Academy will select 20 athletes aged in the 18-22 year category, with a further four spots available for development players.

The trial camp will be invite-only but interested players can contact Leigh Gooding at BBNZ about being accepted.