Tuesdays and Thursdays will be Basketball in the Multi Purpose Sports Complex, as will be the tutoring sessions whilst the reading segment happens each Wednesday. Photo: Provided

Steve E. Parillon and the Hoop it Up Foundation have decided that the time is now right for a relaunch with a new format and renewed focus. Photo: VINO

One of the problems with the programme before was its own popularity as too many youngsters resulted in issues of space and location. Photo: Provided

Steve E. Parillon, President of BVI Hoop It Up Foundation. Photo: Provided

Former professional basketball player, Steve E. Parillon continues to give of his time and energy towards developing youngsters in the game of basketball. Photo: Provided

His knees might be a little weaker and his legs not as fast as they once were, but Ex-College and Professional ‘baller, Parillon, still has a quick mind and it hasn’t taken him long to realise there is a huge gap in the local basketball system that is putting youngsters at a distinct disadvantage.

“Books and Basketball is something we started in 2011 and is one of our more essential programmes,” he commented. “It deals with academics and ‘ball' and that is a very important thing to instill in youngsters. You can’t just do basketball, there has to be a balance and without an education you will end up wasting your talent as going to college, for example, would be next to impossible.”

One of the problems with the programme before was its own popularity as too many youngsters resulted in issues of space and location.

This time around though, Parillon has not only reduced the age range to 6 – 13, but also will be limiting participation to just 30 youths.

“It doesn’t matter what level they are at either,” Parillon noted “One of the biggest problems here in the BVI is that some players think they have mastered the game before they actually have and stop practising on the things they need to practice on. As longs as the kids have 100% interest in basketball we will take anyone and teach them the skills they need.”

The structure is a little different too with two days of ball, one day of tutoring and one day at the Road Town Library to do some reading and learning about the game.

“The programme is all about making sure the participants come out with enough information to take them where they want to go in the game and educationally,” stated Parillon. “There is a plan to build in some history of the game locally and regionally as well as internationally. The younger generation needs to understand the experience of the game. It’s about sharing, communicating and passing on a wealth of knowledge.”

Tuesday and Thursday will be Basketball in the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, as will be the tutoring sessions whilst the reading segment happens each Wednesday.

“All the application forms have been dropped off at schools, but the parents have to bring the forms back to me , directly,” confirmed Parillon. “It is important that we foster relationships within the programme, we want to move in a positive direction and need the parents to be supportive and fully informed with what we are doing.”

The programme launches on October 1, 2013 at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex at a cost of $100 (up until the Christmas break on December 13).

Parillon hopes to have all the spaces filled by the end of the first week as “it’s important to maintain a progressive development plan and everyone needs to be learning at the same time rather than a back and forth situation with some having to play catch up.”