RILEY Parkinson, who has played college basketball in the United States, is running a Skills Camp in Poowong on Friday, January 10, with Poowong and District Amateur Basketball Association excited to offer the opportunity to its current and potential players.
There will be two sessions for juniors divided into age groups, followed by one for adults if there is sufficient interest, with all skill levels catered for in the mixed-gender skills sessions.
Riley, from Whittlesea, is comfortable coaching beginners through to NBA prospects, and running skills sessions through his business ParkoBall.
“He’s had some great results and he’s really enthusiastic and great with the kids,” Poowong & District Amateur Basketball Association committee member Sarah Jackson said.
She explained that while not a large club, Poowong offers a friendly atmosphere.
The skills sessions are intended to promote the Panthers and boost junior numbers, with participants receiving a $30 discount on registration for Poowong’s junior teams.
“We’ve had the Under nines going for a couple of years now,” Sarah said, adding that pre-COVID there were teams for Under 10s and Under 12s.
A mixed gender combined Under 10 and Under 11 side has been introduced for the upcoming season, offering a pathway for those coming out of Under nines to remain at the club.
Sarah stressed the Panthers have done their best to ensure the Skills Camp is affordable.
“The club is absorbing (some of) the cost to give our kids a chance to get better skills,” Sarah said, noting Skills Camps are often in the vicinity of $60 to $90, with the Poowong sessions just $40.
The club’s domestic fees are normally $80 plus Basketball Victoria Fees, with the club portion of that charge reduced to only $50 for juniors who participate in the Skills Camp.
Poowong Basketball Skills Camp Details:
When: Friday, January 10
10am-12.30pm (ages 7-12)
1pm-3.30pm (ages 13-16)
4pm-5pm (adults) subject to sufficient interest
How: Register through playhq.com/basketball-victoria/register/59f657
Those interested in the adult skills session are encouraged to email secretary@poowongbba.org.au
Where: Poowong & District Sports Centre, Court 1
Cost: The skills sessions cost $40.
What to bring: Participants are asked to bring their own basketball and a drink bottle.
