Murdoch Unversity and Basketball WA’s successful basketball partnership entered its second year last week with Education and Training Officer Vlad Alava presenting the Level 1 Basketball Coaching course to thirty-three third year students.
The students from the faculty of Exercise Science and Education are undertaking the course as part of the Performance Studies unit and as part of their subject, must complete a coaching experience practical for a complete season.
The students are divided into 4 categories of sporting disciplines and seven students are set to volunteer their time to various Association Clubs to coach a team at junior domestic competitions around Perth.
Murdoch University Subject Coordinator Nicole Arrold, said the opportunity to undertake specific and accredited learning would be invaluable for students not only in completing their tertiary qualifications but also in gaining skills and qualifications.
"Murdoch University students completed the Level 1 coaching course, which equipped them with an array of skills, resources and a thorough insight into the game. The students will now be involved in coaching Basketball within the school and club environment. The content covered within the course gives students the confidence to share their knowledge, helping to grow the game of Basketball."
Basketball WA Education and Training Officer Vlad Alava said that the partnership served a dual purpose from the State Sporting Organisation’s perspective.
"This partnership allows us to get new exposure to a different cohort in the community. These university students come from an array of backgrounds, some not basketball and this allows those people to see our game and hopefully get involved. On another level, having a cross section of the intake completing practical coaching hours helps our Assocaitions gain an accredited coach or two- which as we know is a valuable resource in grass roots basketball. With a bit of luck the students may even elect to remain involved long beyond the complusory hours they need to complete because it was a rewarding and positive experience for them."