Manx Campers attend NBC UK

Recent weeks saw a group of young basketballers head off to a weeklong residential camp in the UK as the Island renewed its link with NBC Camps. Originally founded in the USA, the Isle of Man was the first NBC venue outside of North America as the camp ran for almost 20-years at King William’s College in Castletown. Despite moving site to the Worcestershire, the links with the local Association remain strong and a group of 15 young players and 3 Coaches set off the Malvern Hills for the complete skills camp.

Competition was tough but local the island’s rising stars made a good impression. Oliver Hamilton, Samson Shimmin and Rowan Coulter proved strong contenders on the offensive end of the floor, with a series of quick breaks and swish shooting that impressed the camp’s coaching staff. Meanwhile island prospects Seb Smith and Evan O’Dea gave stand out performances as some of the toughest defenders during the week.

Providing local talent, the opportunity to face off against players from around the UK and further afield is key to growing the local game and building toward the 2029 Island Games. The trip to NBC Camps would not have been possible without the continued support of the Steam Packet Company through the Manx Community Assistance Fund. A grant provided by the fund helped to subsidise transport for the group, enabling the trip to go ahead at a price that was affordable to local players. The Isle of Man Basketball Association would like to extend its thanks and gratitude to the Steam Packet Company for their continued support this year and into the future as we build toward the 2027 Faroe games and the 2029 Home Games.