Melbourne United, Parade College partner for student development

Written by Melbourne United Media

In our quest to further the game of basketball locally at all levels, Melbourne United partnered with Parade College in Bundoora to help develop the college’s Year 7 Sport Development Program.

Throughout all of Term 2, Melbourne United forward and former Australian Boomers star Brad Newley has been working with the college’s young players, coaching them while also providing insight into what it takes to be a professional athlete.

“For the whole of Term 2 I’ve been coming down here and helping out the young guys as a little bit of a mentor/skills coach/someone to have a chat with and talk basketball with,” Newley said.

“My first week here I laid out some challenges for them and they’ve worked hard to achieve those goals. 

“They’ve improved on their gameplay and their shooting. It’s been really enjoyable seeing how they’ve developed and improved over the space of the last few weeks.”

Overseeing the program has been Parade College’s Dean of High Performance Sport, John Baxter, who like Newley, has been excited to see the students growth throughout the course of Term 2.

“Basketball is an incredibly popular sport across Melbourne but particularly here at Parade College,” he continued.

“Being able to partner with Melbourne United, particularly in our Year 7 Sport Development Program has really added further excitement to the sport.

“To have a top-level club partner with us with a coach working with our students week in and week out has been a terrific experience for our students and a great sporting involvement at Parade College.

“Our boys have got a thirst for knowledge, so having someone with the experience that Brad has brings immediate credibility to the program. In terms of basketball, his way of working with the students, teaching them tactics and the right way to play will be sure to stick with them for a long time.”

If your school is interested in partnering with Melbourne United, contact community@melbourneutd.com.au.