Following a successful first event, which attracted good participation from Ōpōtiki, Eastern Bay of Plenty Basketball is holding two more basketball events in Whakatāne before Christmas, each designed to strengthen pathways to ensure more rangatahi feel confident in New Zealand’s fastest-growing school sport. 

■ Training clinic with Te Ahuroa Cossey: Building Strong Foundations

On Sunday, December 21 from 1pm to 5pm, EBOP Basketball will host a basketball clinic for high school-aged youth featuring respected coach Te Ahuroa Cossey, a kaiako at Whakatāne Intermediate School and volunteer coach with Tauranga City Basketball Association.  

Having been in the coaching game for nearly a decade, Mr Cossey is well known for his ability to connect with young players while demanding high standards. He brings a strong reputation for developing athletes through fundamentals-first coaching: 

“To elevate your game, you must first develop a strong base of fundamentals. Without a solid foundation, everything fails,” said Mr Cossey.

The clinic will focus on core skills such as footwork, ball handling, decision-making and defensive principles: the building blocks that support confidence, consistency and long-term player development.

EBOP Basketball is proud to have a coach of Mr Cossey’s calibre in Whakatāne as they invest in local talent and give rangatahi access to quality coaching without having to leave the district.  

The clinic is funded by Sport Bay of Plenty’s Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa fund, helping remove barriers to participation to give more rangatahi opportunities to achieve their goals.

■ Kōtiro “Give It a Go!” Day: Space to Try

On Monday, December 22, EBOP Basketball will host a kōtiro-only “Give It a Go!” Day from 9am to 1pm.  

This event was created out of the observation that too many girls were not attending basketball opportunities.  

EBOP Basketball spoke to potential players and heard many felt uncomfortable trying basketball for the first time in front of brothers, cousins, classmates or peers who they worried might judge them. This event is designed to remove that pressure and create a relaxed, supportive environment where kōtiro, girls and youth from the rainbow community aged 8 to 16 can simply “have a go”.

“Too many girls are opting out before they even start,” an EBOP Basketball spokesperson said.

“Not because they lack ability, but because they don’t feel safe or confident enough to try. This day is about changing that.”

The initiative reflects EBOP Basketball’s commitment to creating opportunities for girls in sport.  

“In a region with a proud history of exceptional athletes such as Stacey Waaka, Dame Lisa Carrington and Ruahei Demant, it is clear the Eastern Bay has no problem in producing world-class talent,” the spokesperson said. 

“Our role is to make sure all kids are given opportunities to discover their potential.”

“This isn’t about taking anything away from boys. It’s just about making sure everyone gets a fair chance to participate, grow and belong. This is a good way for us to show we’re listening to our kōtiro when they tell us why they’re sitting on the sidelines and deliver what they say they want.” 

EBOP Basketball is very appreciative of Tauranga City Basketball Association’s support in organising senior coach Cairyn Rogers to come to Whakatāne to deliver this kaupapa.  

Ms Rogers has been attending basketball trainings since she was four days old, and coaching at representative level for nearly a decade, so she is understands the game well.  

She has been involved in delivering TCBA’s Navigators programme at Edgecumbe and Ōhope for the past year, so will be a familar face to many young people in the region and is well-respected for her firm, fair and mild-mannered approach.   

EBOP Basketball hopes the event will act as a first step for many new players, building confidence and connection that leads to ongoing involvement in the sport.

All events are free. No need to register, just come along on the day. Bring a water bottle, court shoes and a great attitude. For more information, visit EBOP Basketball on Facebook or email [email protected]