Athlete Wellbeing & Development

Have been ‘deadly’ quiet here for some time, now. But this post seemingly, a perfect fit for considering the role of talent in identification.

Ponder question - should we commit to apparent talent in youth (ignoring other possibilities) that don’t yet have the physical attributes of post puberty characteristics and a teenage brain that takes up unto 25yo to be socially and emotionally mature???

It is tryout season for many children these days, as those of us in the northern hemisphere switch from Fall to Winter sports. And tryouts mean talent identification. Sadly such ID is being pushed to younger and younger ages, and the younger we go, the more likely we are to get it wrong. As the quote from internationally known researcher and Talent ID expert Joe Baker says, when it comes to this process we are often wrong and often biased. Now, tryouts are not going away, but for those of you who are picking teams and running leagues, please remember that you likely are getting it wrong in the long term. How would you coach differently, especially with your B and C teams, if you assumed you got it wrong at tryouts instead of right? And parents, please know that early selection is inherently flawed, and that even if your child does not make his or her hoped for team, all is not lost. Instill love of the game, passion to work hard, and ownership of the experience. He/she who plays the longest usually comes out on top.

Always worth the reminder!

WHAT does sports participation TEACH US about LEADERSHIP, TEAMWORK and DEVELOPMENT of ATHLETES?

It teaches us:-
• the loudest players is NOT always the best leader!
• the player with the most possessions/goals in a game is NOT the best team player!
• the best team leader has impressive interpersonal skills and from the outside looking in, it may be hard to notice!
• the best coach doesn’t always coach the winning team BUT developes ALL of the players to be the best versions of themselves.
• junior grassroots and regional represtentive teams are ALL about development and not about winning. (*developing all your athletes is what creates the long term success)
• teamwork is about trust and respect of all the team members, despite winning or losing.
• growth is about time on the court/field learning the craft of the game in practise and competition.
• it takes practise and patience from coaches to develop athletes who can adapt and create strategies on the field/court. AND unnecessary time on the bench just gives more opportunity to burnt out the players that don’t get to rest and time to reflect.

PLAY BALL 🏀

Wishing these young locals all the best this coming season. Nothing quite like growing our own ‘home grown’ talent on the Border.

Southern Vale Homes Bandits Albury Wodonga

The Southern Vale Homes Bandits are excited to announce the promotion of current Wodonga Wolves and Albury basketball juniors, Tahli Smith(15), Ruby Watson(15), Mia Puntoriero(15) and Amy Houlihan (17) into the NBL1 Squad.

I have been impressed with the work rate, effort and talent of these four young women. The local juniors are the life blood of a senior program and I take great pride in being able to help grow and develop the young local players and give them opportunity to represent the Albury Wodonga region in the NBL1. Coach Paps on his Baby Bandits
Wodonga Basketball Association Albury Basketball

CHECK It OUT - NEW opportunity for our Border Community.

Border Sports Academy

Grants overview - Good Sports Some community sport clubs have been pushed to the financial edge. Applying for a grant could be the key to turning fortunes around.

Opportunity still exist for later in January.

Office Of Sport

Wanting some extra help with skills or simply wish to get started. This might be a good starting point!!! 🏀

Border Sports Academy "Sports of Excellence" is designed, developed, structured and launched as a dedicated regional training organization that not only provides elite skills development for athletes but parallel career development in Leadership and pathways.

Our vision is to complement existing Clubs and Associations across the regional border communities and beyond by focusing on the best practice to develop the whole athlete, creating positive environments and building on foundations.

This program is designed for all athletes of varying abilities who will be given the opportunity to achieve their goals, whether it is playing socially or planning to reach for the stars with an Elite basketball career.

Some on court fun for those that haven’t hit the court yet due to COVID and restrictions

ATTENTION ALBURY/WODONGA

3X3 TOURNAMENT

Border sports Academy "sports of excellence" are excited to announce our 1st 3x3 event on Sunday 6th December starting at 10am at The Scots School in Albury.

Get back on the court with a 'give n go' 3 on 3 competition

Get 4 of your friends and register your team today for some seriously exciting fun!

Register NOW - [email protected]

Limited team spots available so get in quick

Concussion In Sport - Live online webinar | Sports Medicine Australia Sports Medicine Australia is proud to bring you a live online Concussion in Sport webinar presented by highly respected researcher from the University of Newcastle, Associate Professor Andrew Gardner.

Learn more about and

Upcoming Workshops - Bluearth Foundation Details of upcoming workshops run by Bluearth Foundation