#Born2Coach Story - Sam Stubbs
Our next #born2coach story as part of UK Coaching Week is from Sam Stubbs. Sam played junior basketball for Tamar Valley Cannons from the age of 10 and progressed through to the men’s team. He then went to university and coached for the Solent programme. Upon returning to Plymouth, Sam set up a very successful coaching company working in schools and running camps. Wearing many caps, he is now a teacher at Lipson Co-Operative Academy, the Head of Education, Welfare & Player Care at Plymouth Argyle Football Club and our Under 18s Head Coach!
What is great coaching to you?
I think that great coaching starts with enthusiasm. I think it’s important to show those that you are working with that you care about them as individuals and want to see them get better. I also believe you need to show a love and passion for the sport. I think if you do this then it makes it easier to work with young people. I also am passionate about making sport and basketball enjoyable and accessible for everyone and this this plays a big part in that.
How does coaching help you?
I think it has given me the opportunity to practice skills I’ve learnt at work, make mistakes, try new things. Being able to experiment and have transferable skills is really important in the multiple roles I have. Coaching gives me another safe space to develop my skills. You also get a huge sense of satisfaction from helping people get better. For me, the end of season awards epitomises what our coaching is all about. To see all the players smiling faces, the celebration of the season and especially seeing those at Under 18s who have come all the way through programme and saying thank you for their contribution to the club was a special thing!
Under 18s Team 21-22
What are the next steps for your development?
I would like to progress onto my Level 3 Basketball England coaching award in the near future. I will also be undertaking the UK Coaching Great Coaching Badge and am keen to get to some coaching conferences or clinics. I have previously had heavy involvement with the regional Aspire programme (Sam was the Head of the Girls Programme) and might look to get back maybe back into the performance pathway at some point, if time allows!
Thanks Sam!
If you are interested in learning more about coaching for Plymouth Basketball Club please email hello@plymouthbasketball.co.uk
To find out more about how you can get into coaching, visit www.ukcoaching.org/born2coach
To find out more about how to become a qualified basketball coach, visit https://www.basketballengland.co.uk/get-involved/learn-and-get-qualified/be-a-coach/
