Young basketball players in Jamaica had an opportunity to experience professional-level training at an ID Camp organized by P.H.A.S.E.1 Academy.
The camp was held on August 7 at the Herbert Morrison Technical High School in Montego Bay. This event was the first of its kind put on by the academy in Jamaica and its founder Wayne Dawkins is reporting success.
“We had over 70 participants take part in the ID Camp, and we had about 10 coaches, staff, and volunteers that helped out,” he said.
The camp was targeted mainly at basketball teams in the western Jamaica region, but schools in other regions also took advantage of the opportunity.
“They were put through athletes development tests, where we took their body measurement, height, wind span etc. We did some athletic tests like broad jump and speed tests, and some basketball skill training for them as well too. The coaches provided some motivational speeches as well to help encourage the participants,”-Wayne Dawkins.
Some of these young players were then invited back to train on a weekly basis with the academy and were given the opportunity to represent P.H.AS.E.1 in games.
Dalmar Clarke, a 17-year-old student at the Herbert Morrison Technical High School participated in the camp after he was made aware of it by his coach, Dave Black. He describes his experience as “immaculate”.
“My experience there was immaculate, I enjoyed the workout I had there. I learned plenty of ways to better my basketball skill and there was a lot of great vibes,” he said. Adding that it inspired him to work harder.
He added; “I was motivated by my coach, the different schools coming to the workout sessions, and the different training sessions that he had.”
For Dawkins, Clarke’s experience encompasses the ultimate aim of the camp.
“We hope that the participants will take away the opportunity given to expose to what basketball development really looks like, and also for them to help decide and learn if the sport is for them. If there is a real passion for it that can evolve into something greater or that something is just a hobby, but either way we’re hoping that we’ll light a fire in the ones that want to take it to another level.,” he said.
The academy intends to host another camp at the Papine High School Kingston soon. And according to Dawkins, it will also be spearheading other initiatives to continue its commitment to developing basketball in Jamaica.
“We have plans not just to host events, but also to sponsor events, sponsor other clubs as well. As well as doing camps and youth leagues, we have some other plans of doing more to help grow the game on the island.”
P.H.A.S.E.1 has more than 25 years of experience in youth programmes and youth development. It prides itself on giving student-athletes access to staff, elite training methods, top competition, and exposure to greater opportunities.