The Townsville McDonald’s Crocodiles re-commenced their popular Townsville Orthodontic Specialists Youth Hoops program this Tuesday February 7 with the first clinic of the 2012 school year held at Townsville Central State School.
Mt. Isa product Peter Crawford and dynamic U.S. import Elvin Mims held the first clinic of the year, running various shooting and dribbling games for the year five and six classes from Townsville Central.
All the children involved had a fantastic time and PC and Elvin signed plenty of lunchboxes and basketballs before leaving to rejoin the team for an afternoon training session.
The Crocs Youth Hoops sessions, sponsored by Townsville Orthodontic Specialists, provide a great opportunity for local primary school children to meet the McDonald’s Crocodiles and participate in coaching sessions conducted by the players.
With the addition of talented local Mitchell Norton to the Crocs 2011/12 roster, the team now boasts five players from the greater North Queensland area.
Head Coach Paul Woolpert has nothing but praise for the program, which along with the Crocs talent identification and development program, Sharp Start, has helped many of his current squad achieve their sporting dreams.
"It’s great to see Queenslanders like Mitch and Todd (Blanchfield) who grew up in programs like this be apart of our team today. This is a great outlet for them to give back to the region that they grew up in," he said,
The program helps students learn about the game of basketball in a fun environment and is sure to inspire the next generation of local talent. All students walk away with Crocs goodie bags and an insight into how to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.
The program runs in conjunction with the Crocs high school program, School of Hoops, and the exciting ‘So You Think You Can Play’ challenge. These initiatives highlight the commitment the Crocs have to building strong community relationships with schools throughout the North.
Crocodiles CEO Ian Smythe has watched the program grow over the years and said its popularity is a testament to the great work the Crocs players put in at the coaching clinics.
"Our Youth Hoops sessions are a great chance for the Crocs’ younger fans to see their sporting heroes in action, as well as learning valuable skills they can use when playing at school or for their local clubs," he said.
"It also gives our players a chance to connect with their younger fans and feel that real sense of community we have at our club."
The Crocodiles intend to further expand their program by visiting schools throughout the North Queensland area with plans to visit primary schools in Ayr, Charters Towers, Ingham and Tully.
"The Crocs are committed to furthering the game of basketball in North Queensland and we are more than happy to give back to the region that supports us," Smythe said.
The Crocs next game is against the Adelaide 36ers, tipping off at 6:00pm this Sunday 5 February at Adelaide Arena. A delayed broadcast will be shown on One later on that night at 10:40pm.
For live stats of the game visit
The Crocs next home game is their 20th season Birthday Bash Game night against the Cairns Taipans on Friday February 17, with tip-off at 7:30pm at ‘The Swamp’.
Tickets are now on sale for the clash at the Entertainment Centre, call 4771 4000 weekdays 9am - 4:30pm or anytime online at
www.tecc.net.auwww.nbl.com.au or follow the Crocs on Facebook at www.facebook/GoCrocNation
