Doc Wayne and African Basketball (ABO) Do the Good for Nigerian Youth

After having the opportunity to meet Eyo at our DtG training session in New Jersey a few weeks ago I can't think of a better person to carry out the train the trainer model in Nigeria. I look forward to supporting both Eyo and his ABO coaches. The power of sport as well as the unique ability the do the good curriculum has to reach children across the globe amazes me every time I witness it.  

do the good, 

RR

www.docwayne.org 

DOC WAYNE AND AFRICAN BASKETBALL (ABO) DO THE GOOD FOR NIGERIAN YOUTH

The Doc Wayne Athletic League and African Basketball Organization Begin Collaboration To Provide A Positive Path For Youth In Nigeria

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOSTON, MA, June 8, 2012:  The Doc Wayne Athletic League (Doc Wayne) and African Basketball (ABO) announced today that they will begin their partnership this summer to integrate Doc Wayne’s do the good sports-based therapeutic curriculum into ABO’s work with youth in Nigeria.  The do the good curriculum, which connects with youth on a sport level as well as teaches pro-social behaviors and life skills, will complement ABO’s existing initiatives to work with underprivileged youth in Nigeria.

Doc Wayne Executive Director David Cohen said, “This is an exciting opportunity for us as we have positively connected with youth here in the U.S.  Why not do the same with youth beyond our borders?  This is a natural partnership as our missions align well for the common good of connecting with youth through sport.”  

African Basketball (ABO) President and Founder Eyo Effiong said, “After observing how David Cohen and his team at Doc Wayne utilizes the do the good skills based program in the development of the social skills of at-risk youth here in the U.S., I realized that the youth at our summer leadership programs in Nigeria, and other African communities would benefit immensely if we introduced these life-skills tools.  We are very excited about this unique opportunity to partner with Doc Wayne.”

National coaches and mentors that the youth can look to for support are key and Doc Wayne has already begun the process of training coaches on the curriculum.  Initially the programs will look to work with 90 Nigerian boys and girls in Lagos to measure academics, violence reduction and pro-social behaviors.

For updates on this and other initiatives at Doc Wayne and the ABO, follow us on Twitter at:  @DocWayneDtG and @AfricanBBall.

About Doc Wayne (www.docwayne.org)

Doc Wayne is a Boston, MA (USA) based 501(c)(3) non-profit with the mission of offering youth an innovative group therapy experience delivered through the medium of team sports stressing positive youth development.  Through Doc Wayne’s sports-based therapeutic curriculum, do the good (DtG), youth learn to perceive the world as less threatening and their ability to interact with their environment becomes more empowered and they gain greater self-esteem.

About African Basketball (www.africanbasketball.org)

African Basketball (ABO) is a 501(c)(3) US based non-profit organization dedicated to the development of Africa through sports. ABO organizes co-ed basketball programs, integrated with life skills, HIV/AIDS Awareness, and leadership education for participants, coaches, and administrators.  

MEDIA CONTACTS:

David Cohen                                                               Eyo Effiong

Doc Wayne, Executive Director                                 ABO, Executive Director

dcohen@docwayne.org                                             effionge@africanbasketball.org

617-458-0315                                                              864-569-6024

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Favorite Photos This Week

Here are a few of my favorite photos capturing Week 7 of Doc Wayne Girls and Boys Flag Football.

do the good, 

RR

www.docwayne.org 

Practical Sport Psychology Skills for Goalkeepers

If you are a goalkeeper, or coach one, you understand it is one of the most mentally challenging positions in sport. Here are a few sport psych tips! Please send me a note at rebekahconwayroulier@gmail.com for assistance implementing them. 

RR

Refocusing

·         Let your goalkeepers know that their feelings before the game are normal and part of their pre-game routine. Nerves are often part of the experience and can even be helpful. 

·         Deep breathing

·         Trigger focus (tapping the post, tapping your shin guard with your cleat, walking across the penalty spot). Use this trigger focus to be forgetful, clear your head and focus on the next play. 

·         Cue word or phrase (can be written on their gloves as a reminder)

Visualization

·         Imagery of your best self.

·         “Mental practice” is important spend time on. The body does not differentiate between the real and the imagined.  

Mastering Mental Skills

·         New skills take time (don't try to learn a new skill on game day).

·         Put effort into it!

Playing not Performing

·         Focus on the little things you are doing well when mental skills, practice or the game aren’t going well.

·         Build on small successes.

Expand on positive emotions

·         When the ball is in the attacking third, dwell on the feelings of accomplishment and positive emotions.

·         This can help you portray confidence, poise, and a sense of control to your team and the opponent through verbal and non-verbal communication.  

Know your strengths (or your athletes' strengths)!

·         Building on success might also mean leaning on your strengths. It's okay not to be great at everything. Some of the greatest athletes are known for only focusing on their errors, also see your strengths and what you do well. 

·         Each goalkeeper is different.

Play-Moments of Relief

I was observing a young girl having fun in a park this Memorial Day weekend and couldn't help but think of "moments of relief" desperately needed by victims of complex trauma. Sport (and the simple joy of play) provides relief from the burden of grief, sadness, abandonment, loneliness, and a variety of feelings that haunt trauma victims constantly. Being able to play on the swings or be part of a team allows them to leave these feelings behind for a few moments or possibly an hour or more. This is a gift that can't be underestimated. 

do the good,
RR
www.docwayne.org

Doc Wayne Video

Stay tuned for the new Doc Wayne program video (to be released soon)! It will be posted on our youtube page DocWayneDtG. In the meantime, please check out our posted videos!

Coaches Can (and Should) Play Too!

As a coach, it's important not to lose touch with your love of the game. Before youth games, our staff at Doc Wayne can often be found playing soccer, basketball or flag football (after everything is set up of course!).

do the good,

RR

www.docwayne.org

Score Keeping for Outcomes

While delivering a training this past weekend a thought-provoking topic came up. The question was posed, “How do you keep score in a way that reinforces your program’s values?”

The question assumes that you are willing to redesign your program, league or activity planning and that a winner and non-winner are desired. 

If this is the case, let the brainstorming begin! The possibilities are endless. Awarding points and declaring “winners” based upon goals, baskets scored, touchdowns or other typical methods can be a percentage of the scoring system (or not figure into the score at all).

Determine the outcomes you desire to see, work backwards and create a scoring system that puts the team, individuals or coaches who are displaying these outcomes or skills on top.

do the good, 

RR

www.docwayne.org