The introduction of two youth divisions in the Mackeson Super 10 Basketball League during the 2013-2014 season is not where initiatives by the outfit to create purpose driven and meaningful avenues for youth expression and positive growth in society end, says tournament director Keith Clement.With news that the League now has an 15 and Under division�to be known as the Bertram Doyle Youth Division in honour of the former president of the T&T Basketball Federation who died in September–as well as the category for athletes ages 16-21, the Super 10 has assigned itself the task to reach out to at least three children's home along the east-west corridor.
"Two things we are going to do this year: We are going to trying to make a positive change to some of the young people in need by targeting three children's homes–St Michael Boys, St Mary's Children's and St Dominic's Home in Belmont. We are going to find a way to make some kind of contribution through our teams. There is a programme that started recently where basketball is part of what they are trying to instil in the kids. And they are struggling for coaches. We have given the commitment from an administrative point of view that Super 10 will be part of that and we will identify three or four coaches who will give at least one hour of their time per month, so that those kids can understand and enjoy playing basketball and what playing basketball is all about," he said.
Clement added: "We have a strong emphasis on the youth. We will continue to do that. We started off this year saying that unless the senior teams have a junior team, they will not participate in the Super 10. At the same time, it was the first year that we were introducing that rule. We understand we cannot be too hard and fast on it. While we still have 13 teams�16 to 21�and eight junior teams, it will be compulsory next season for teams to participate in Super 10. You want to play in Super 10? You must have a junior feeder."Since the inception of the Mackeson Super 10 Basketball League in 1987, the tournament has never been about the administration, but the teams, said Clement.The criteria for playing in the League, has always been tough and all teams desirous of participation understood that. This will remain unchanged said Clement in order for the tournament to remains attractive to T&T and provide guaranteed spaces on the court for future athletes deserving of being in the spotlight.