Jayden and Hugh have followed similar paths to becoming Hoops Coaches at the YMCA
Thy Bishopdale YMCA has been running a Hoops program for over 25 years. Initially in their old site in Greers Road, the YMCA has carried on this program since moving into their current facility which opened in 2007. With sessions on both Mondays and Wednesdays, the venue can cater for a wider range of ages and skills than other programs around the region.
With the connection to the Checkers Club and the surrounding schools, the quality of coaching hoops squad members from the North-West has been very strong for the duration of the program’s life, and all of the other Hoops programs around Canterbury can be traced back to Terry Brunel setting them up initially at the YMCA.
Jayden Cameron, who starred as a player at Burnside High School, and is now playing for Checkers, takes the lead role at the Y. Jayden is entering his seventh year coaching there, while working towards a Bachelor in Primary School Teaching. “I love being able to pass down my knowledge of the game down to future generations and give them a space where they can not only learn basketball skills but have a safe space where they can enjoy playing basketball.”
Hugh Dishington is also a product of Burnside High School, and is entering his first year as a Hoops Coach, but this doesn’t mean he’s lacking know-how: “I have two years of experience coaching the Burnside u17B team and have just committed to coach u15 A team for Burnside this year.
“I am coaching at the YMCA as a secondary employment because it’s what I’m passionate about and it’s definitely something to look forward to while at my other job. I initially got into coaching as I wanted to gain valuable experience that I think would be valuable in my goal of becoming a police officer – but have enjoyed coaching much more than I expected!
“As Jayden said, l too love to pass my knowledge on, and want to create a positive environment for the kids to have fun while learning.”
As of the time and date of publication (25 February 2020) there are some limited spaces available in both Monday and Wednesday afternoon sessions.
If you are looking for information on, or want to enrol a child in YMCA Hoops you can call 03 359 8320, or email recreation@ymcachch.org.nz. For any of the other Hoops programs around Canterbury, we have information and links for them all on this dedicated page.
