At the very heart of the club is our vibrant under 10 Academy. The Academy caters for our youngest members from senior infants to under 10's and it is where many of our players begin their journey through the club. The Academy takes place on Friday evenings at The Watershed from September through to April. It's loud and fun and staffed with loads of very friendly coaches! It's all about learning the fundamental skills such as, running and jumping, throwing and catching, movement and ball handling. The emphasis is on fun and friendship and with time building the core skills to prepare each child for competitive basketball at under 11's.
While our Academy players do not play in an official league, Kilkenny Stars hosts a blitz series throughout the season aimed primarily at our older U10's in preparation for them moving into the leagues the following year. These games are played in a 3 v 3 format to give our young players a more active role in the team, hopefully ensuring everyone gets plenty of passes. The referees double as coaches teaching the children as they go. Home blitzes normally take place on a Saturday or Sunday morning from 10am - 12 noon. From time to time we might be invited to other clubs too so you can expect a few fun days out during the season.
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We ask parents to sign in with one of our volunteers at the club desk (just outside the sports hall) on arrival and return to the hall to collect after training. Please explain to your child that they are not to leave the hall until you return. We have a lot of children/parents on a Friday night and it can get very busy. Please bear in mind that there is likely another training group following so please pick up children promptly to leave courts clear for the next training session. Please explain to your child that they must return to a coach if parent hasn't arrived.
We ask that you please take your child to the toilet before training and encourage them not to ask to go out to the toilet unless really necessary. If they do need to go, please be aware that coaches cannot accompany them. We insist that all children use the "designated" toilet only. That is the one in the corridor outside the sports hall. NOT the ones in corridor leading out to the pitches. Please explain this to your child. Please be aware that the toilets have heavy fire doors and are often difficult for very young children to open, particularly from the inside. We have requested they be left open with a wedge but The Watershed informs us that it's not possible due to fire safety rules. If you are not happy for your child to go to the toilet alone, we ask you stay for the duration of the session. We ask for good behaviour and for everyone to be treated with respect at all times. |
1. Children need to wear runners and shorts are preferable to tracksuits for ball handling drills.
2. Children should bring their own water. We don't encourage sharing drinks for health reasons. 3. Academy children should bring their own size 5 basketball. Please clearly LABEL EVERYTHING, ESPECIALLY BASKETBALLS!!! The end of Academy sessions are often a bit chaotic! Our Academy training space is huge and it is inevitable that a few balls will go astray from time to time. We ask children/parents to please spend a minute locating their own ball, make sure you are leaving with the correct ball and don't forget any other belongings that have become scattered around. The coaches are a friendly bunch and are happy to help but please try to lighten the load by gathering your child's belongings yourself.
We really hope your children enjoy playing basketball with Kilkenny Stars and have lots of fun. It's important to mention that the club is run on a voluntary basis. All coaches are Garda vetted and certified through Basketball Ireland. They have completed the relevant child safeguarding courses and coaching courses certified by Basketball Ireland. |