The NetBlazers Basketball Club has taken a significant step in advancing basketball development across Saint Lucia with its recent two-day coaching clinic. Held at the Vigie Sports Complex on October 11 and 12, the event provided coaches with a free opportunity to enhance their skills through hands-on training and tactical insights. The clinic was led by Gaelen Sydney, a seasoned basketball coach from Titan Athletics in Toronto, Canada, who has a strong background in collegiate basketball in the United States. Sydney, returning to Saint Lucia for the second time in three months, emphasized the importance of certifying coaches to improve youth engagement and elevate the sport’s standards. In an exclusive interview with St. Lucia Times, Sydney shared his vision of creating robust basketball programs that not only develop players but also foster a competitive environment across the Caribbean. Coaches, including Hillian Gabriel from Micoud Secondary School and Ansel Edole of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force Basketball Team, praised the clinic for its innovative approach and practical lessons. Gabriel highlighted the shift from traditional drills to more engaging, game-based methods, while Edole noted the eye-opening experience and new fundamentals he plans to implement. Garrick George, a coach with NetBlazers and Entrepot Secondary School, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of making training sessions enjoyable for young players. Organizers believe this event marks the beginning of a collaborative effort among coaches to elevate basketball culture on the island to new heights.
