Canterbury has for centuries been famed for its pilgrims but since the 1990s for fans of a certain stateside sport Canterbury has not been associated with the home of pilgrimages but the home to Kent’s premier basketball team, the Kent Crusaders.
CommunityAd had the pleasure of chatting with Adam who has been integral to the Kent Crusaders club since joining Canterbury Basketball Academy eight years ago.
What’s your role here and what do you enjoy most about it?
I am the head coach of the Canterbury Basketball Academy that is an elite programme with plays at the top level of junior U19 basketball. I also oversee the coaching and delivery with the club. I really enjoy teaching the game and seeing players develop both on and off the court. I am a competitive person so having a job in sports helps, we play two games a week in the season which are always the highlight.
I think it’s fair to say the majority of people think of basketball as an American sport but it’s been popular here for some time. Have you noticed an increase in popularity of late?
Basketball is very popular here and is one of the top played sports in the country and has been for some time. Our club, however, has seen a massive spike in interest in the last 3 to 4 years, I think this is partly to do with the amount of work we do in the community and in schools but also because how fun and enjoyable the sport is. You can play it on your own in the garden or you can go to the park with some friends and play a game.
This time of year it’s the perfect sport as well, isn’t it?
Yes, all our sessions are indoors in the dry and away from the cold. We are also in the middle of the season so there are lots of games happening and talk about players, leagues and finals coming up.
Are you currently looking for new players or welcoming people along to sessions? If so, why should they consider joining the Crusaders?
We are also welcoming new players to come along and give basketball ago or if they have experience come and learn some new skills and be coached by one of our professional coaches. The sessions are also about the FUNdamentals where you will learn how to do skills, plays games and develop the attributes needed to be successful.
Is it a myth that you have to be a giant to play B-ball?
To be honest it does help in some ways and if you are a tall child we do encourage you to come along and give basketball a go. It can give taller kids confidence and an environment where they can feel accepted and needed, as sometimes they can feel out of place being the biggest. But small players have advantages too and to just enjoy it and have fun it doesn’t matter how big or small you are.
Is there anything else you’d like to add at all?
We have a session at The Canterbury Academy Lifestyle fitness sports hall for boys and girls in school year 5, 6 and 7 on Mondays between 5pm-6pm, come and give basketball a go.
If you want to see more about our club or get info, follow us on social media @KentCrusadersBB.