As we approach the end of the current season, it’s time to start thinking about the next one!

We are on the lookout for new coaches to help us as we continue to grow as a club and if you’ve ever considered getting involved with youth sport, now may be as good a time as any.

Coaching junior Basketball may seem easy at first thought, but as an authority figure in a dynamic sports team, you may find this assumption a great understatement. All parents understand that managing children is not always an easy task. However, the role of a coach can be amazingly fulfilling and the time you put in is rewarded tenfold!

1. COACHING IS FUN AND EMPOWERING

What’s better than watching the kid who could barely bounce a ball when you started, become your teams top scorer? As a coach, you have the opportunity to see these kinds of transformations all of the time. It’s empowering to be able to help children grow both on and off the court.

2. PERSONAL SELF DEVELOPMENT

You’ll be surprised at how many skills you can learn and improve upon as a coach. You might think that you’re only helping your team improve their games and maybe their social skills, but the truth is that you’ll go through some personal development too.

Being a Basketball coach forces you to grow and learn patience. Whether this is when you’re working with your team and learning new ways of dealing with irritation and conflict because you can’t simply lose your temper. You’ll learn to use negotiation tactics, communication skills as well as gaining confidence in your ability to speak and present in front of groups.

3. CREATE LIFELONG RELATIONSHIPS

The children you coach won’t forget the role you play in their lives. It can be years later and you will still have contact with either them or their parents. These valuable relationships are proof that coaches have the ability to shape lives.

4. BE A MENTOR

First and foremost, coaches are mentors, and you can never forget it. While it may be easy to get caught up in the adrenaline of the game, a god coach has to be able to make the little decisions all of the time to ensure that the players needs are met. As a mentor, building kids up and giving them the tools, they need is the top priority.

5. WHY NOT?

You bring your child to train, and then watch and wait. What better way to spend the time than being fully involved in your child’s learning. You will gain a full understanding of what your child is doing and why as well as being in a position to help drive this club forward with ideas and suggestions for the future of Plymouth Raiders Development.

Considering all this, the moment the team comes together and learns to work cohesively and reach the same goal is undoubtedly an exhilarating feeling for any coach, and YOU could be in this position. You may now be asking “Where do I start?”. Plymouth Raiders Development are keen to take you on board and supply you with the tools required to move into the world of coaching.

We’re not expecting you to jump in at the deep end either! We have a team of experienced coaches, including a number working within the South West England Aspire programme, ready to work with you and provide the foundations for your journey into youth coaching.

For more information on how you can get involved contact us at development@plymouthraiders.com

What are you waiting for?