MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY -- The Mountainview Broncos club basketball program recently started up. The program offers basketball opportunities for boys and girls throughout the spring and early summer.
In total, nearly 100 players from all over Mountain View County, including Olds, Didsbury, Carstairs, Sundre and Cremona, as well as Innisfail, Bowden and Three Hills, play on boys' and girls' teams in the U-13, U-15 and U-17 age categories.
Club president and head women's coach for the Broncos program is Avery Harrison, coach of the national champion Olds College Broncos women's basketball team. Working with Harrison is Peter Sambu, former head coach of Toronto's George Brown men's team, as well as several local coaches from the area.
Harrison said the teams generally practise twice a week and scrimmage with other clubs and play in several tournaments throughout the season.
"We want to give athletes in Mountain View the opportunity to have access to top level coaching and player development without having to travel to the city," said Harrison. "We want to see the game grow in the Central Alberta region. We are partnering with the Fun Team program in Didsbury to help develop players as well and provide a range of opportunities for all ages."
Harrison said there are many great athletes in the Mountain View area and if they are at all looking at taking basketball to the next level they need to be out working on their game in the spring and summer.
"We're trying to provide that opportunity so they can look ahead and possibly get that chance for scholarships and other opportunities," he said. "We have also focused on trying to include and develop local coaches this year.
"The program was started by coaches from Olds Koinonia Christian School and we have seen the program there improve (winning zones and provincials). This year we have coaches from Carstairs and Didsbury helping out as well."
Broncos teams will be playing in home tournaments at the Ralph Klein Centre on April 26-27 and June 14-15 as well as in tournaments in Edmonton and Kamloops.
Unfortunately, there are several kids who want to play but can't afford it. Harrison said they are looking for businesses or individuals that are willing to sponsor players. Anyone interested in helping or for more information can email [email protected].
