More Than 50 Coaches Gather for Inaugural International Mini Basketball Coaching Clinic in Manchester
Manchester, UK – 19 July – More than 50 coaches came together at the National Basketball Performance Centre in Manchester for the first-ever International Mini Basketball Coaching Clinic, a landmark event dedicated to helping coaches create positive, child-centred basketball experiences.
The clinic was delivered through a collaborative partnership between ICOACHKIDS, FIBA Europe, Basketball North West and Basketball England, bringing together expertise from across the youth sport and basketball communities to support the development of children’s basketball.
Throughout the day, coaches explored practical approaches to ensuring that basketball is designed around the needs of young players. The programme focused on creating engaging, inclusive and enjoyable learning environments where children can develop skills, confidence and a lifelong love of the game.
Key themes included:
- Making the game fit the child rather than expecting children to fit the game
- Finding fresh and inclusive ways to engage more girls in basketball
- Developing technical skills through play-based activities and fun games
- Introducing team offence concepts without overwhelming young players
- Addressing some of the persistent challenges faced by Mini Basketball coaches
The clinic featured contributions from an outstanding group of presenters, including Maurizio Cremonini from the Italian Basketball Federation, Rehana Khalil of Manchester Mystics, Stefan Ludwig from ALBA Berlin and ICK Co-Founder Sergio Lara-Bercial. Through practical sessions, discussions and shared experiences, participants were able to learn from leading practitioners who are helping shape child-centred basketball programmes across Europe.
A key strength of the event was its emphasis on collaboration and peer learning. Coaches were encouraged to ask questions, exchange ideas and reflect on how they can deliver better experiences for children in their own environments.
ICOACHKIDS would like to thank Kate Lewis and the team of staff and volunteers from Basketball North West, alongside Brian Aldred and Nick Holloway from Basketball England, for their support in making the event possible. Special thanks also go to all the coaches who attended and contributed their enthusiasm, curiosity and willingness to learn from one another.
The success of the inaugural clinic highlights the growing commitment across the basketball community to place children’s needs at the centre of coaching and programme design. By bringing together organisations, experts and coaches from different backgrounds, the event demonstrated the power of collaboration in creating better sporting experiences for young people.
A final thank you goes to photographer Mansoor Ahmed, whose outstanding photography captured the energy, learning and enthusiasm that defined the day.
As ICOACHKIDS continues to work with partners across Europe and beyond, events such as the International Mini Basketball Coaching Clinic play an important role in supporting coaches and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to enjoy sport in an environment that is developmentally appropriate, inclusive and fun.
Photos by Mansoor Ahmed/Ahmedphotos
