The camp also served as a way of exposing the programme to fresh faces and there were numerous youngsters, both boys and girls, making their first appearances. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Professional Coaches, such as Mike Nials, who runs the Programme on a daily basis and special guest Coaches, such as Michael Garcia, who ran the Pre Easter Camp, ensure that everyone is given the opportunity to excel in a properly structured and progressive environment. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Malone, who is also Vice President of the BVI Basketball Federation, believes that a structured approach across the territory is a much needed requirement and the philosophy behind “More Than Ball” lends itself to spear heading that drive. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

“More Than Ball” is a programme aimed at identifying talented Youths and affording them the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the game, whilst combining a primary focus on education and the learning of life skills.

Professional coaches, such as Mike Nials, who runs the programme on a daily basis and special guest coaches, such as Michael Garcia, who ran the Pre Easter Camp, ensure that everyone is given the opportunity to excel in a properly structured and progressive environment.

Well over 50 children grasped the chance to attend the Camp and, according to Malone, the aims of “More Than Ball” were all achieved. The day’s were actioned packed with fun and drills, but also a large dose of discipline and respect being instilled in the kids.

“That is one of our premier factors, discipline,” commented Malone, “then Education and Life Skills. We are all about a completely rounded perspective and make sure the youths don’t just come along and put the ball to the floor, but are disciplined and staying focused on school work.”

Garcia, originally from Warner University and now the Vanguard High School, greatly impressed again, having been to the territory on a couple of previous occasions.

“I really like the way that he is very God fearing, I like the way he interacted with the kids and the way he demonstrates the drills,” noted Malone.

Malone, who is also Vice President of the BVI Basketball Federation, believes that a structured approach across the territory is a much needed requirement and the philosophy behind “More Than Ball” lends itself to spear heading that drive, bringing a more standardised approach to the way the sport is developed.

“In our General Meetings we have discussed the whole aspect of basketball development and this programme is definitely in conjunction with that process,” he said.

More Than Ball has been going for a few years now, with struggles to stay afloat and suffering highs and lows, but is definitely here to stay with already some notable success stories.

“I’m proud of all our players right now. We have numerous kids off at schools and colleges, with perhaps Gianni Maduro, Jay and Tahj Malone the current leading lights, but there is no one in particular, all of them have made me proud,” beamed Malone.

The Camp also served as a way of exposing the programme to fresh faces and there were numerous youngsters, both boys and girls, making their first appearances. “I’m hoping some of the kids will continue to come, but they first have to understand that it is not just about playing with the ball, it’s more than that and they have to come prepared to focus on education, which is first, then comes basketball and lastly life skills and discipline, like being dressed properly, being on time and always respectful to each other and the coaches”

More Than Ball runs every day, after School, in the Multi Purpose Sports Complex and the Head Coach is Mike Nials.