This week, I completed my work experience with West Brom Basketball Club, and it was an incredibly valuable and eye-opening experience. It gave me the chance to learn what it’s like to be in a real working environment. I had the opportunity to join my coach in meetings with the club’s kit supplier to explore kit options for next season, as well as attend coaches’ meetings where we planned for an important upcoming game this weekend and discussed preparations for the season ahead.
Throughout the week, I was also involved in planning basketball sessions and got the chance to coach in both primary and secondary schools. This really pushed me out of my comfort zone but helped me develop my organisation, communication, and leadership skills. Coaching younger players required patience and clear instruction, while coaching older students made me more aware of how to adapt sessions to different skill levels and personalities.
Another standout moment was having the chance to meet the local MP. We discussed the life of a teenager growing up in Sandwell, including the challenges and opportunities we face. It felt empowering to have my voice heard and to take part in a meaningful conversation about my community.
One of the most memorable parts of the week was also coaching Sandwell College basketball players. At first, it was nerve-racking—especially because many of them were older than me—but after receiving positive feedback from both the coaches and players, I felt a huge boost in my confidence. This experience helped me improve my leadership and communication skills and gave me a real taste of what it’s like to coach at a higher level.
I also had the chance to help table a game. At first, I was nervous and found myself overthinking everything that could go wrong. But the person I was assisting was really supportive and took the time to explain the fundamentals of the role, which made the experience much easier and actually quite enjoyable.
Overall, West Brom has been a strong foundation not just for my development as a basketball player, but also for building life skills such as confidence, adaptability, communication, and teamwork. I’ve learned the basics of the sport, met some amazing people, and continued to grow in an environment that supports my dream of becoming a professional basketball player.
From the moment I joined West Brom Basketball Club, I felt welcomed and included. The coaches and players created an engaging and challenging environment that pushed me to improve both individually and as part of a team. I started in the Under 14s, where I got my first real taste of National League basketball. The competitive—and sometimes loud—atmosphere was intense, but it helped me develop my skills and prepared me for moving up to the Under 16s. That journey eventually led to a proud moment: winning the West Midlands Conference National Basketball League with my team.
Many of the skills I’ve learned through basketball have carried over into my everyday life. For example, my communication skills have improved—I’ve become better at adjusting how I speak based on who I’m talking to. My leadership abilities have also grown significantly.
Looking ahead, my goal is to play professional basketball at a high level. I know that achieving this will require continued hard work, commitment, and growth both on and off the court. Thanks to the coaching and support I’ve received at West Brom, I feel more confident in my abilities and motivated to keep pushing myself—not just in basketball, but in life as well.