By ROY WARD
ASPIRING south-east Melbourne basketballers will get the chance to hone their talents at the newly established Lauren Jackson Basketball Academy later this year.
Four-time Olympian Lauren Jackson has joined with training company Smart Connection Training to create a 12-week training academy.
The program includes key tactics for on-court success, techniques to improve conditioning, and being guided through drills that will improve their overall performance and skill set. The academy will be open to all 15-18 year olds.
Academy lessons also focus on teaching players how to plan for their future career and study options, especially those in the sports industry with those who finish the program receiving a certificate I in vocational preparation.
The academy will host an initial phase of programs at the highly popular basketball centres of Dandenong, Kilsyth, Knox and Nunawading.
The highlight of the academy is a two-day intensive Jackson Jam Super Camp at which players will work directly with Jackson and other professional men and women players during the school holidays.
Jackson said she was excited about her new academy.
“I have always wanted to give more back to the sport of basketball and the youth of Australia,” she said.
“This is an exciting initiative for me and gives me the chance to pass on my experience and life lessons to help youth reach their goals and dreams.
“I don’t believe there are any limitations to what can be achieved personally and professionally and I strongly believe in having fun and enjoying the journey along the way.”
Smart Connection Training managing director Martin Sheppard said the program offered a broad blend of basketball and life skills.
“It’s not often students get the chance to be trained in their own backyard by one of the world’s top athletes,” Sheppard said.
“This program has everything — life skills to help students gain a career in an exciting and fast-paced industry.
“It is also an opportunity to train one on one with Lauren Jackson and have her share coaching tips to improve the way they play basketball.”
The program is expected to expand nationally later this year.
