Launch of the Melbourne Boomers Academy
The Deakin Melbourne Boomers are pleased to introduce the Melbourne Boomers Academy. The Academy has two main purposes:
- To provide leadership and pathways for elite athletes and coaches, and
- To provide opportunities for young female athletes of all abilities to improve their basketball skills, and in turn, enjoy the game more.
The Academy will be headed by the Boomers newest coaching recruit, Larissa Anderson, who has coached at WNBL level for several years, and has extensive knowledge and experience in basketball and player development.
The Melbourne Boomers Academy is a multifaceted program involving three different levels. At the top tier of the program is the Melbourne Boomers WNBL Academy. This sector of the Academy is designed for elite junior players that are pursuing a pathway into the WNBL. For the WNBL Academy, players will be identified and selected by the Boomers coaching staff. Once selected, the program will include one session per week, run by Academy Head Coach, Larissa Anderson, with additional involvement from other Boomers coaches. Throughout the season, the WNBL Academy players will also have the opportunity to train with the senior Boomers squad, and to receive expert advice and development in areas such as nutrition and strength and conditioning. This really is an excellent opportunity for any young female athletes who want to follow their dream to play in the WNBL.
After the WNBL Academy, the second tier of the overall Academy program is the Melbourne Boomers Junior Academy. This particular program is for the large number of hard-working, dedicated junior players who are serious about their basketball, but who are not a part of any higher institutional programs, i.e. Basketball Victoria run programs. It is aimed for those players who may one day develop into elite players, but who at the moment sit outside of the top group of athletes and are really keen for that extra elite assistance with their game. The Junior Academy program will be offered to different age groups, starting at U12s, and will run across a six-week program. Each week will involve one session in which the athlete will receive support and mentorship towards their skills and game development.
At the final tier of the Academy program is the Melbourne Boomers Academy Clinics & Camps. This area of the program is open to players of all ability levels, and involves sessions for children as young as 4 years old. There are several different times and durations through which these programs will be run. The Bitty Boomers Clinic, which is for kids aged 4-8 years, will be held on one afternoon after school hours, and will be coached by our Boomers players. This clinic is a great chance for young kids to have some fun, be active, and be directly involved with our Boomers stars. Additionally, throughout the school holidays, the Academy will run Holiday Camps which will be made up of beginner, intermediate and advanced groups. These camps will be for kids aged 5-16 years, and will cover specialised areas such as shooting, post work, offence, defence, strength and conditioning and more….
With so much to offer, we hope to see as many of you as possible involved with the Melbourne Boomers Academy. These programs are created for young players to develop their basketball in a fun and positive environment, with elite coaching and player mentoring. With the involvement of Larissa Anderson and her first-class coaching expertise, these Academy programs are set to be a huge success. Stay tuned for more information regarding sign-ups. #boomersacademy #girlpower