(Fort McMurray, AB - September 8th, 2023) Prepare to lace up your basketball shoes and make some noise because Westwood Community High School is about to become Fort McMurray’s epicentre of basketball greatness. Westwood Teacher and Coach Josh Owen has scored a slam dunk by partnering with the Alberta Basketball Association (ABA) to bring the Canada Basketball Academy (CBA), a provincially-renowned basketball program, to the school.
This thrilling program is set to attract ambitious young talent from all corners of Fort McMurray, providing a unique opportunity for them to showcase their skills and gain exposure to the Canadian basketball curriculum. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting, the academy is designed to help athletes of all levels reach their full potential and earn a spot on the coveted 2024 Team Alberta roster.
With on-court training sessions led by top post-secondary, club, and high school coaches from the local area, students will receive high-quality education and training, honing their skills and pushing them to reach new heights. Beyond the athletic benefits, joining this program can also open doors for players academically; many post-secondary schools are always on the lookout for talented basketball players and being part of this elite program can catch the attention of scouts and recruiters.
Basketball fever has swept through Westwood, and Coach Josh Owen is thrilled. He’s noticed a growing interest in the sport among students at the school, which has sparked his passion to seek out new opportunities to nurture their potential. With his extensive experience coaching basketball, he knew he had to find a program to take his students to the next level. That’s when he discovered Alberta’s provincial-level basketball program.
“Sports are always prevalent as they’re an excellent way for students to stay active. Basketball, in particular, is an extremely popular sport. We typically see a high interest in enrolling in our basketball options, and basketball tryouts always have a high turnout. This program is an excellent opportunity for Fort McMurray basketball players who want to take their games to the next level and learn skills, concepts, and a style of play that Canadian and Alberta Basketball evaluators will emphasize.”
Westwood’s Vice-Principal and Senior-High Girls Coach, Brendan Toner, emphasizes this opportunity’s significant impact on Westwood’s students. He also highlights the crucial support that Coach Josh will receive to bring the program to Fort McMurray.
“Westwood is proud that Basketball Alberta recognizes Coach Josh Owen’s work and dedication to host the Canada Basketball Academy here at our school. Josh will be supported by Westwood and other local school and club coaches, which validates that educational-based and community-based programs can work hand in hand to promote basketball. This is a real opportunity for local kids to learn national-level basketball curriculum. We hope this opens doors for local kids to get their foot in the door for provincial basketball opportunities.”
By offering this program, Westwood Community High School provides its students a unique opportunity to grow and develop as athletes. We applaud Coach Josh Own and Westwood for this fantastic accomplishment and look forward to seeing the success of their inspiring program.
For additional information, contact:
Momin Syed
Communications Coordinator
Fort McMurray Public School Division
780-788-8009
communications@fmpsd.ab.ca