Being part of West Brom Basketball Club has been an amazing experience for me. Of course, it’s helped me improve as a basketball player, but it’s also done so much more than that. I’ve made new friends, built stronger communication skills—both with teammates and people I’ve just met—and grown in confidence. These are things I know will help me far beyond the basketball court.
I properly joined the club around November or December and started attending the community sessions. They quickly became an outlet for me—a way to relieve stress—and they helped boost both my skills and my performance in school games. My points per game went up, and I became a much better all-round player. Most importantly, my confidence started to grow, especially when playing in more competitive league games.
Later on, I was invited to train with the U16 team. At first, the jump in skill level was a bit of a shock, but I pushed myself to adapt. It helped me realise the difference between school basketball and club-level basketball. The training sessions were tough but fun, with specialised drills that improved my ball handling and basketball IQ—stuff I could actually use in real games.
Right now, I’m doing work experience with the club, and it’s honestly been another great part of my journey. I’ve had the chance to coach primary and secondary school students, which has been both challenging and rewarding. My group planned the sessions and coached the kids using the resources we prepared. It’s really helped me develop leadership and patience—especially since not every kid is focused right away!
We’re also earning two qualifications during the week: a Sports Leader Award and a First Aid certificate. These are great to have, especially if we want to go into coaching or teaching one day. Even if we don’t, they’re useful skills for life and can help with future job opportunities.
Overall, West Brom Basketball Club has had a big impact on me—not just as a player, but as a person. My love for the game has grown, and I’m learning skills that I’ll carry with me for years to come.