North Vancouver Basketball Academy combines fun and skill development for players of all levels
The North Vancouver Basketball Academy (NVBA) has been quietly getting basketball players better for a long time. They are now finishing up their fourth year and have shown some great results from their players on and off the court.
On the court many of the top North Shore teams have been comprised of players who have grown up playing in the NVBA. “Seeing teams on the north shore competing at the provincial level and even winning provincial championships has been one of the many rewards of the basketball academy” said director Vern Porter. On top of that many players have gone on to play University basketball in the NCAA, CIS, and Pacwest divisions.
However, the main goal of the academy isn’t just about creating great players and school programs. It’s about “giving students an opportunity to learn basketball even if they’ve never played before and enjoying the process of getting better” he explained. “We give kids a chance to work towards personal goals on the court through skill development” which is different than a club team or school team where they work on team concepts to compete in league games and tournaments.
According to Porter having a “great coaching staff” has allowed for continued success and growth every year. This coaching staff includes former national team players, pro players, university players, as well as current university coaches. It is taken during school hours at the last block of the day and is a substitute for Physical Education, so participants still get school credits and marks for it. It has grown every year, from year one when it had one location with about 50 students (25 per class) to now where it has four locations and 120 students including one elite level group for the older stronger players. Next year it already has 160 students registered and will offer two elite groups — one at Argyle and one at Seycove as well as a development group for grades eight to ten at Mountainside and Parkgate.
The location of each facility is strategically placed to allow access to students all across the North Shore. If you or your child would like to join the North Van Basketball Academy you can apply through the school board website.
Written by: Yoni Marmostein