This week Hayden has completed his work experience with us. This has included supporting PE lessons and after school basketball sessions as well as attending network and planning meetings, equipment management and writing this reflective piece on his 3 years with us at West Brom Basketball Club…
West Brom basketball club is the best thing I’ve ever been a part of! Some of my closest friendships are from West Brom Basketball Club. I started paying basketball with Coach Ziggy and the Under 13s during the 2021-22 season. I was inexperienced and Lacked confidence in my skills, but with hard work and support from my teammates and coaches I was selected for my first game. From that point I never missed any games other than during a recent injury. Our under 13s team were able to win the YBL championship, which was also our Coach’s first Championship. This helped build a stronger relationship with everyone from that team, this is the epitome of West Brom basketball club: hard work, teamwork, and fun.
For the 2022-2023 season I moved up to under 15s, this was where I found more confidence and became more skilled while playing. I met many more people this season and was able to kindle even more friendships. I played well enough to earn an invite to the Aspire Program (Basketball England’s Talent Pathway). I made it through several stages of selections but unfortunately was not able to make it through the final round of selection. Whilst playing for the under 15 I was also given the opportunity to play for the under 17 and under 21 teams. It was always fun to play with everyone, every single time we played it was always serious. Our under 15s team qualified for the playoffs but unfortunately, we were unable to win the league. The under 17s were able to win the YBL challenge cup, the final was a very tough game but we were able to win in overtime showing the resilience our club culture has built. Our under 17s and under 21s both finished the season as league runners up.
This past season (2023-2024) we entered National League for the first time. This was an adjustment for everyone involved but we all pulled through together. We also entered the YBL under 17s challenge cup, where we were able to win the knockout shield. This season I was able to make it further into the Aspire Program, but my season was cut short due to a dislocated elbow.
I have now fully recovered from my injury and preparing for the 2024-2025 season with the Under 16s team.
West Brom Basketball Club is built on resilience, hard work, and enjoyment, this is why West Brom is such a successful club!