World School Sports News recently exclusively spoke to Kevin Coleman, a basketball player and coach who freely offers his services to schools in the UK in order to give back to the sport he loves.
Like many areas of the education system, UK schools' physical education departments often struggle to cope with already-busy timetables and increasing numbers of pupils seeking sporting opportunities.
"I have found that school sports departments are generally incredibly busy; being pulled piller to post and literally treading water to survive", Kevin told us.
"Pretty much every school I’ve done a 2-3 month ‘coaching aid’ at has an undercurrent of basketball-talented pupils simply itching to learn/participate/play, yet little or no outlet to do so."
He says that one particular academy in Kent, England was no different, with six members of PE staff trying to keep over 2000 pupils engaged in sport.
"[It was] really, really hard for them to do so", Kevin said.
"Add on the fact there’s zero budget for outside coaching help and I see a common story before me. I contacted the school and offered to coach and train pupils for zero charge - because I simply want kids playing the sport I adore."
He helped out by running sessions on three afternoons a week, before arranging "much-needed" fixtures and even a senior-year tournament.
"The levels of interest & participation rocketed! Teachers were elated to not only having time to stay afloat, but also seeing their pupils being coached to a decent level for free."
Two pupils he mentored were particularly talented players, with Kevin getting them both involved in the Aspire Talent pathway.
"One has now been invited to GB squad training for potential selection. Both kids' parents are using my help and experience to plan their sons’ basketballing education (both inside and outside the UK) for their sixth form and beyond.
"Without my offer and mentorship, I very much doubt any of this would have happened.
"Why do I do it? Because I care for this sport - passionately.”
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