New APC system commences this weekend
Friday, 27-Nov-2009
The England Basketball Area Performance Centres (APC) will commence their season this weekend (November 28/29) and there are a number of developments to announce:
· The number of APCs in England has increased to 18 from the original 10 (10 boys & 8 girls APCs)
· Eight head coaches have been appointed to fill the new APC vacancies after a diligent process including interviews and on-court assessments
· There will be a consistency of organisation and delivery of coaching in line with British Basketball strategy
· The performance pathway is being focussed at regional level with the APCs being aligned with regional development squads & and inter-regional tournaments at U13, U15 and U17
· The APC staff are being challenged to identify talent in their region with a focus at a younger age than previously
Since the summer of 2009, a review of the APCs has been headed up by British Basketball and England Basketball Performance Pathways Coordinator, Warwick Cann.
"The re-focussing of the APCs is extremely important to British and English basketball," said Cann.
"We need to provide good in-season access to the teaching and coaching of individual player's skills and fundamentals – this is vital for 12, 13 and 14 year olds. And we need to ensure that the most talented players are identified and do not miss this entry into the performance pathway.
"I'm determined that the APCs will provide quality programmes benefitting players, coaches and clubs alike."
The first APC sessions begin this weekend and will continue through to August, normally on the last Sunday in each month.
Further information on the Area Performance Centre programme can be found
here.
Note:
The East Midland Boys APC and the South Boys APC will not operate in November following the very recent appointment of the head coaches.