GSP Teaches Coaching and Leadership to Reshape Staff in Egypt

Jung Jung, GSP’s Physical Education and Team-building Trainer, had the privilege to be part of the Reshape leadership and coaching program. During his month-long stay in Egypt, Jung taught several important sessions on leadership and coaching. 

Over the last several years, Reshape has developed a growing number of staff and volunteers. A key element of their strategy is to transform the staff and volunteers into Coaches and Leaders. 

The leadership sessions were taught with the young assistant coaches and head coaches from the Reshape sports program.  Sessions included once a week for classroom sessions and then twice a week for on the field sessions, examining topics such as leadership, communication, and coaching. 

The five core or DNA values of Reshape are Excellence, Service, Integrity, Teamwork and Passion. Each of these was incorporated into the trainings sessions, building a foundation of solid principles of leadership, communication, and coaching. 

GSP Tunis Organizes Baseball and Basketball Camps

GSP Tunis successfully completed their Summer 2020 Baseball and Basketball Camps at the American Cooperative School of Tunis. Despite reduced participation due to concerns related to the pandemic, 24 children and 6 coaches – 3 of whom are Tunisian – participated in the baseball camp (3-7 August) and 30 children and 9 coaches – 7 of whom are Tunisian – participated in the basketball camp (10-14 August). According to GSP Tunis Country Coordinator Jared Morgan, “the GSP Tunis Summer 2020 Baseball and Basketball Camps were a great success because the participants learned many new skills as well as character traits that will benefit them throughout their lives.”

A parent of two of the baseball camp participants expressed gratitude saying,

“Thank you … to the dedicated GSP team who made the baseball camp so enjoyable. Both [of my children] were thrilled with the experience and learn[ed] many new skills.”

GSP staff saw major improvements in the performance of the young athletes throughout the course of the camp. Players with little to no prior experience were excelling in form and execution by the end of the week. Morgan noted that “children who had never played the game were understanding concepts and skill development, and they showed the ability to hit, catch, field and throw with good technique.”

When asked about the basketball camp, Jared Morgan made this observation:

“All week long, we were working on shooting and layups with the players. On the last two days, we saw multiple players make layups with incredible form. It was very exciting to see these improvements and the excitement of all involved was obvious as all of the coaches were celebrating these victories.”

In addition to investing in young athletes during these camps, GSP Project Coordinator for Algeria, Libya and Tunisia Marc Neie noted,

“We’re definitely excited about the development of the athletes, but we’re equally excited about our partnership with and investment in several Tunisian coaches.“

GSP’s camps provide us with the opportunity to expand sport involvement and character development beyond our own programs as we invest in the future of sport in Tunisia and around the world.

Excited with the positive developments in both skill and participant character, GSP Tunis also is hoping to use these camps as a springboard into the upcoming Fall 2020 GSP Tunis Baseball and Winter 2020 Basketball programs where they expect to see increased participation from athletes and additional opportunities to invest in the development of athletes and Tunisian coaches.

GSP Malaysia Partners with IPG for Ultimate Frisbee Championship

It is often said that teachers make great students, so why not make them great Ultimate Frisbee players, too?! On February 25, 2020, GSP Malaysia partnered with Insitut Pendidikan Malaysia (IPG) schools to organize the Ultimate Frisbee Championship for the IPG Carnival Games between Staff 2020 (KAPAS – Karniaval Permainan Antara Staf) at the Campus Pendidikan Islam just outside of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Male and female teachers competed in separate divisions and in 3on3, 5on5, and 7on7 competitions. Time on the field with these educators produced a lot of laughs, sweat, and fun! It was an enjoyable experience for all. Current teachers had the opportunity to model teamwork and athleticism to future teachers, who were either spectators or volunteers at the event. The fun-filled day concluded with a disc golf challenge.

GSP Malaysia is honored to partner with great schools and organizations in Malaysia, such as IPG, to develop the sport of Ultimate Frisbee.

GSP and Malaysia Ministry of Education Partner on Nutrition Initiative

Over the last five years, the Ministry of Health of Malaysia has held nutrition programs in both primary and secondary schools. The physical activities portion of the programs has focused on soccer for males and net ball for females. Through GSP Malaysia’s relationship with the Ministry of Education, we were invited to introduce the sport Ultimate Frisbee as an alternative to the traditional sports.

On March 5, 2020, we held a clinic for both teachers and students. The clinic was designed to be a “training for trainers” clinic.  GSP Malaysia representatives taught basic skills and drills such as throwing the disc, movement during the game, and rules for playing. Clinic day hosted 19 schools (49 total participants) who thoroughly enjoyed learning and playing Ultimate Frisbee.

Teachers and students alike had a great time and were excited to return to their respective schools to teach their friends and fellow program participants. In addition, we agreed to send a GSP Representative or an ambassador of the Malaysia Flying Disc Association (MFDA) to each school for two separate training sessions prior to the November tournament. 

On March 18th, due to Covid-19, Malaysia went on lockdown. As a result, schools and social activities were canceled. Therefore, the students and teachers who attended the clinic have not had the opportunity to train their fellow participants. Once the lockdown is over and school resumes, we are hopeful that the budget for this program will remain in place and the students will be able to continue to practice and learn this great game of Ultimate.

What an exciting way to allow the sport of Ultimate to grow among students who do not have a sport to truly call their own!   

GSP Ethiopia Hosts Football Coaches Clinic

Global Sports Partners Ethiopia, in association with BisratSport, hosted a Coaching Football Seminar in Addis Ababa on 1 and 2 January, 2020.  This introduction to the new year was a huge success for the overall development of Coaching Principles and Theory of Football.

Two instructors, René Marić (Assistant Manager) and Patrick Eibenberger (Athletic Coach) from Borussia Monchengladbach of the German Bundesliga, taught with great insight on the following topics: 

  • Coach Rene taught on “Principles of Football Theory,” and “Applying Football Theory to Practice”; both of which offered specific and reproducible concepts for training.

  • Coach Patrick taught on “Balancing Physical and Tactical Load in Football” and “Injury Prevention and Recovery Mechanisms”.

The participants of the training consisted primarily of elite level coaches, including the coaches from both the Ethiopian Men’s and Women’s national teams. The curricula and theory discussed will help the football community expand on practice and team development to better prepare for competition and excellence.

GSP Ethiopia looks forward to on-going cooperation with football and sport development in Ethiopia.

GSP Leads Youth Basketball Coaches Clinic in Tunisia

GSP Director of Basketball Operations, Bobby Quayle, traveled to Tunis, Tunisia in December 2019 to lead a Level 1 Coaches Course for four Tunisian basketball coaches.

The emphasis of the coaching clinic was coaching youth basketball. Coach Quayle led the Tunisian coaches through classroom sessions and on-court demonstrations. In order to successfully complete the Level 1 Coaches Course, the coaches will apply what they learned by coaching in the GSP Tunis Basketball Program in January and February 2020.

GSP Swim Coach Collaborates with Ethiopia Swim Federation on Coaches Training

GSP Representative and Swim Coach April Johnson worked with the Ethiopia Swim Federation to provide training for Swim Coaches.

Coach April provided instruction for the different swim strokes. In the mornings we would have many lectures on the history of swimming in Ethiopia, the different swim strokes, and how to coach and teach swimming skills. The afternoons were filled with pool time where students had to perform the different strokes, teach one another how to learn particular skills, and practice many swimming drills.

It was a fun filled week with 23 swim coaches from all over Ethiopia coming together to improve their skills and learn better how to teach swim lessons and coach swimmers in their regions.

GSP Tunis Completes Successful Youth Baseball Program

In September and October of 2019, GSP Tunis successfully completed an 8-week Baseball Program for children ages 4 - 12. The program consisted of drills, games, and healthy competition. Each week the youth learned a new character trait such as respect, responsibility, and sportsmanship. GSP Tunis provided three local coaches, as well as many other volunteers. A total of 75 children participated in the Baseball Program.

The Chris Cronin, Director of Athletics and Activities at the American Cooperative School of Tunis, had this to say about the GSP Baseball Program:

[The coaches] have really made an impact on the experience for the kids. Your Team is very enthusiastic and look like they are having just as much fun as the kids are. For someone who didn’t even know what baseball is, your guys have really sparked some interest in [our son]. Credits to you for developing such a finely tuned program.

A parent and teacher whose child participated in the program expressed her support as well:

We are so thrilled that a company called GSP has started a baseball and t-ball initiative in Tunis in order to try to grow the sport here. We signed [our son] up right away for the 4-6 year old group. My heart has been so full watching [our son] trying out this sport that might never have been an opportunity for him here without this company. For all of those parents in the USA who complain about having to go to sports events on the weekends, you probably don't know how lucky you are to have those opportunities. I would love to become a ‘baseball mom’!”

GSP Tunis looks forward to continuing this program in Fall 2020. We are hopeful that these children not only learn new skills and increase their performance but learn character traits that are valuable for all areas of life.

GSP and Final Sport Club Lead Youth Basketball Camp in Bursa, Turkey

At the invitation from Final Youth & Sport Club, Global Sports Partners spent the last weekend of July 2019 leading a 3-day basketball player development camp for Final’s U16 and U12 teams in Bursa, Turkey.  GSP experts administered the development camp for 35 of Final’s players.  GSP is thankful that several Final coaches served alongside our experts coaches throughout the camp. 

Program sessions emphasized fundamental basketball skills, shooting fundamentals, strength and conditioning exercises, and leadership topics such as communication, respect, teamwork, and conflict resolution.

GSP experts lead the players through drills to improve their abilities in the following areas: body balance, ball handling, driving, finishing, passing, shooting, boxing out, movement without the ball, defensive positioning, individual defense, rebounding, pick & roll, footwork, agility, proprioception as well as strength and conditioning.

Both age groups worked hard and gave 100% in their efforts over the length of the camp.  GSP is thankful to the opportunity to work alongside Final to help develop their players in skill and as a upright person in their community.

GSP is excited to have a part in basketball development in Turkey, and we look forward to future player development camps to both improve performance and increase participation in basketball.

GSP will continue to seek to develop and deepen partnerships with both amateur and professional clubs in Turkey, as we remain committed to seeing the sport of basketball strengthened at all levels of play throughout Turkey.

GSP Malaysia leads "Toss It, Throw It, Fun Day!"

On March 7, 2019, in partnership with the Foundation for People with Disabilities of Kelantan (YOKUK), Malaysia, GSP Representative Nathan Scott led a fun sports day for the organization's vocational students and other clients.

The Fun Day was built around the sport of Ultimate Frisbee and the character values that we learn from sport. Participants learned how to throw and catch frisbees, do relays, try new activities, and ended with a fun water balloon toss, which resulted in an all out water balloon frenzy! Each participant received a certificate after the program's completion.

Twenty students and fifteen staff / caretakers at YOKUK participated in the Fun Day. Three players from a local university’s ultimate frisbee team made the day even more special for the students.

The students, caretakers, and staff said that the day was just as intended — fun! Some said it using words, others said it by enjoying themselves playing the many games and activities! The staff expressed that the event was well organized and they were very thankful.

Project Director Nathan Scott said,

“It was a great experience to work with local community directors in promoting quality health initiatives. We were able to inspire the participants, staff, and caretakers to learn new activities and games that they can use at home. It was also neat to see how the university volunteers got involved, learned from the experience, and were so positive about investing their time.

For more information about how GSP serves the communities where we work, visit SportForward, our corporate social responsibility initiative.

GSP Opens the Argentinian Football Academy in Muscat, Oman

On February 24, GSP Oman launched the Argentinian Football Academy in Muscat, under the leadership of Technical Director and Head Coach Gonzalo Galdame. Enrollment grew from 14 athletes ages 6 to 13 years old in the first month to 24 athletes in the second month.

The athletes parents have been extremely satisfied with the quality of coaching and the level of instruction, thanking Coach Gonzalo for the professionalism of the Academy. After organizing a father / son friendly match, one father described his joy at playing this first ever organized game with his son, saying it was “a date to remember!”

Coach Gonzalo says, “I am very happy to see the satisfaction en the parents and the children. This has been a success from all points of view and we have accomplished our objectives. I am looking forward to next season.”

After a summer break, the Argentinian Football Academy will launch it's first full season of training in September 2019. Follow GSP Oman’s Facebook page for updates.

Aseem Foundation Selects GSP India to Deliver Webinar

On September 29th, Global Sports Partners representatives joined India’s Aseem Foundation to administer the Foundation’s monthly Abhilasha Session. The topic of September’s discussion was “Careers In Sports”, and specifically how and why youth in India should pursue a career in the world of sport.

The webinar was delivered live via video conference call to 200 students from five schools and a youth group from India’s border regions. The main question that encompassed the discussion was: How do we channel a passion for sports into a viable career? This question was discussed passionately by the members of the panel and met with great energy from the students.

GSP’s Director of Strategic Partnerships joined the call to talk about Sports For Healthy Living, while our two GSP India representatives provided an overview of sample sports careers and the many, growing opportunities for women in the sports world. Other webinar contributors included: Mr. Suheil F. Tandon, Director and Founder of Pro Sport Development, Mr. Sunandan Lele, sports journalist, and Ms. Niruta Killedar, Aseem's Abhilasha Session Coordinator.

Global Sports Partners is very thankful for the wonderful opportunity to speak to so many youth about the exciting possibilities for their future. Through our strategic partnerships, we will continue to seek ways to positively influence the people of India through sport!

Bursa Baseball Fundamental Skills Camp

At the invitation of the Bursa Görükle Youth & Sports Club, Global Sports Partners facilitated a 3-day baseball camp in July for youth, ages 10-15. GSP representatives and our American baseball experts administered the for 20 players and three local baseball coaches.

Practicing proper baseball fundamentals was the core focus of our camp. Our coaching experts implemented a methodical approach to skill development. This approach paid huge dividends throughout each of the three days. Each mechanic was clearly explained and broken down into smaller, progressive steps to ensure understanding of proper motion and to develop correct, repeatable, and fundamentally sound actions. Once these steps were broken down, players understood the importance of practicing correct form and were greatly impressed by the difference in their results. Batting, fielding, catching, pitching, baserunning, and throwing with strength and accuracy became so much easier. In turn, the local coaches saw the benefits of taking the time to teach the methods of each fundamental skill with precision. The local coaches raved about the benefits of the skill breakdown, saying, “We need to practice these fundamentals so we can teach and demonstrate them to the rest of our players!”

Bursa Baseball 7.18 9.jpg

Not only did the youth and coaches learn a lot about the fundamentals of baseball, but they also learned valuable lessons regarding life and character; always work hard and give your best effort, encourage one another, and be always be mentally engaged. This is a very important element of Global Sports Partners, as we seek to inspire purpose in youth and adults by building character and leadership skills from the values learned through sport. 

Camp ended with an 80-minute coach pitch scrimmage that brought together all of the elements learned in camp. Players got the opportunity to practice their newly acquired, fundamentally sound skills in a game-like atmosphere, local coaches were able to teach, correct, and guide the players in the correct way, and GSP staff and experts focused on skill and character development for each individual.

Bursa Baseball 7.18 6.jpg

Our Fundamental Baseball Skill Camp in Bursa was full of fun and it was obvious to everyone that much was learned in our three days with the players and coaches. As we look to the future of our role in baseball development in Turkey, GSP looks forward to continuing our relationship with our local partners in Bursa.

We are excited about the future of baseball development here and want to make you aware of one of the ways GSP is taking the next step. We love facilitating and implementing baseball and softball camps and will to continue to do so. However, there is a new opportunity on the horizon! Global Sports Partners is currently in the planning stages of introducing the Bursa Cup, a youth developmental competition for baseball and softball. We are planning two baseball divisions for youth ages 10-12 and 13-15 as well as two softball divisions for youth ages 11-13 and 14-16. Stay tuned as more information becomes available in the days ahead. We can’t wait to see what’s next for us in Turkey!

Bursa Baseball 7.18 5.jpg

GSP Turkey: American Football Clinic in Bandirma

TFB Camp17.jpg

At the invitation of the Bandirma Jets Amerikan Futbol Takımı and Bandirma Onyedi Eylül Üniversitesi, Global Sports Partners spent the last weekend of June leading an American Football development clinic in Bandirma, Turkey. Project staff included two current NCAA Division I college football players, seven American football coaching experts with over 100 years of combined football coaching experience, a former NFL player and Super Bowl Champion who is currently an NCAA power-five conference (Atlantic Coast Conference) referee, three GSP Turkey representatives, and several Turkish American football coaches from the local area.

TFB Camp11.jpg

We were thrilled to instruct more than 100 athletes over the course of the weekend, including 32 youth players aged 15-18. This number is particularly important to GSP as we work to build a strong foundation for the future of American football in Turkey. The players’ clinic was open to players of all ages and skillsets and involved participants as young as 15 who experienced the sport for the first time, university students who play recreationally, and men who currently play in the professional Turkish American Football League. In addition to the players, we were thrilled by the number of local American football coaches who came to participate in the camp as well. Having these coaches in attendance was a positive aspect of this project, as they possess the ability and influence to continue mentoring and developing athletes while growing the sport throughout the country.

TFB Camp12.jpg

The project began on the campus of Bandirma Onyedi Eylül Üniversite. Local coaches, players, and university officials gathered in the university auditorium for an introduction with the American coaches and athletes. The introductory meeting set the course for camp, informed the participants of what to expect, and included a question and answer segment for the local players. Attendees were deeply engaged, asking questions regarding playing careers, dialoguing about opportunities to advance and improve, and seeking insight on how to best recover from injuries. After the meeting ended, all players and coaches were shuttled to the practice facility for the beginning of the skills section of the clinic.

The first day of camp included warm-ups, stretching exercises, and conditioning as coaches focused on the proper technique of how to prepare for practice mentally and physically. Players were then divided into groups according to their positions for specific training and individual skill development.

TFB Camp1.jpg

Day two began exactly how day one ended with players quickly moving to position specific groups to work on skill advancement. Each position group was led by at least one American coach, while most groups had multiple coaches working alongside the players. After the morning session, players and coaches returned to the hotel where they were greeted by the President of the American Football Federation of Turkey.  Players were then given an updated synopsis and clarification of newly enacted NCAA football rules for the 2018 season, as well as education on some of the most important rules for safety- like proper tackling and targeting. This presentation came from Mike Morton, a former NFL linebacker and current ACC referee. After Morton’s presentation, players returned to the playing field for full contact drills and scrimmages.

TFB Camp9.jpg

The final day of camp was full of energy, excitement, and passionate competition. The clinic began with a simulated scrimmage, as players had the opportunity to practice their new skills against each other and play in a game-like atmosphere. In the final segment of our clinic, each position group participated in agility, speed, and strength competitions to determine who was the quickest, fastest, and strongest athletes in camp. Players were awarded points based on how they performed in each competition with one athlete from each position group winning a grand prize for a first-place finish.

As we reflect on another outstanding American football camp with the Bandirma Jets, Global Sports Partners is once again grateful for its partnership with the team and filled with even more excitement for the future of the sport in Turkey. Everyone who attended the camp came away with anticipation for what is in store for the growth of American football. There was a buzz around camp that did not stop at its conclusion, and we can’t wait to be a part of what’s next!

As we witness the sport gain popularity, GSP plans to continue to do its part in training and educating players, coaches, officials, and local sport leaders. It is our passion to see the practice, growth, and development of sport throughout the world as it inspires purpose for all.

TFB Camp4.jpg

Tunisian U18 Girls' NT Basketball Camp and Coaching Clinic

Tunisia WBB Camp7.jpg

Global Sports Partners recently partnered with La Fédération Tunisienne de Basket Ball (Tunisia Basketball Federation) for a one-week basketball training project in Tunis. This project spanned from Sunday, June 24 to Saturday, June 30 and had two simultaneous facets: a seven-day U18 girls' national team basketball camp and a two-day women's basketball coaching clinic. GSP Tunis brought in two basketball coaching experts from the United States to lead the players' camp and administrate the coaching clinic. 

Tunisia WBB Camp6.jpg

The Tunisia Basketball Federation selected 16 girls from multiple club teams to form the Women's National Cadet Team or U18 National Team, who participated in the player development camp. Each day of camp was split into three sessions: a two-hour morning practice, a classroom session about the philosophy and mentality of the game, and a two-hour afternoon practice. Throughout the course of the week, practice sessions were focused both on individual talented development and team-oriented training with the goal of growing well-rounded, multi-skilled players.

Tunisia WBB Camp10.jpg

Ten local women's team coaches took part in the two-day clinic, administered by GSP's coaching experts. Coaches were trained to communicate, teach, and develop their players by the most effective methods. Additionally, the participating coaches underwent technical and tactical training, learning how to become better practitioners and in-game strategists. 

Players and coaches had a wonderful response to the camp and clinic, glowing about how much each of them learned and improved, and expressing their appreciation for the expertise. This project was a tremendous success for our experts and local representatives, and we are thankful for everyone who came together to make it possible.

Tunisia WBB Camp8.jpg

"Both camps with Global Sports Partners have been great. The Tunisia Basketball Federation hopes to continue this relationship. Coaches and players have all given good feedback from their experiences with the camps and clinics." - Mr. Mohammed Toumi, Technical Director of Tunisia Basketball Federation

Global Sports Partners and the Tunisian Basketball Federation will continue in our professional partnership, as we remain committed to seeing the sport of basketball strengthened at all levels of play throughout Tunisia. GSP Tunis looks forward to conducting more training camps and clinics in the months ahead!

Tunisia WBB Camp4.jpg

SYNCHRO 2018

Bobbio Pellice.jpg

During the final week of May, Global Sports Partners’ personnel from around the world came together in Bobbio Pellice, Italy for the 2018 GSP SYNCHRO Conference. More than 80 employees, representatives, and strategic partners gathered together for the biennial, one-week event to receive direction regarding company standardization, strategy development, and professional training. Led by business professionals, the conference also included valuable workshops that provided key insights into personal and professional development. A few of the topics covered in these workshops included: Developing and Delivering Proposals, Social Media Marketing, Identifying Social Styles, Disruptive Insights, and Business Strategy.

In addition to the plenary sessions and workshops, GSP personnel enjoyed a variety of extracurricular activities: basketball, football, and ultimate games, table tennis matches in the evenings, tours of Bobbio Pellice, hikes in the beautiful Italian Alps, and local adventures to enjoy delicious local pizza and gelato (a company favorite).

SYNCHRO 2018 was an outstanding conference and will serve as a catalyst for our company for the years ahead. Rejuvenated by this week together, GSP personnel now return to their respective regions to continue in their roles as professional sports consultants and business people. Equipped with effective tools and deeper education, we seek to collaboratively increase sport participation and practice, improve athletic and administrative performance, and inspire purpose through sport to women, men, girls, and boys all around the world!

GSP India Leads Player Development Camp in Chennai

India Camp 3.png

In partnership with D&J Sports and Skill Developers, Vision Sports, and MCC Higher Secondary School, Global Sports Partners brought five American basketball and football coaching experts to Chennai for a two-week Player Development Camp last month.

India Camp 6.jpg

More than 150 athletes attended the camp, which took place from April 16-28. Camp was divided into two main sessions. The morning sessions focused on basketball training and began every day at 6:30 AM, while the football training sessions took place every evening at 4:30 PM.

The early start did not intimidate campers or coaches, as each day was infused with high-energy and excitement. From passing fundamentals to competitive drills, team-building games to mini-tournaments, the youth strengthened their skills, grew in confidence, and reflected on the unique life lessons that we learn through sport. 

GSP believes that player development does not only occur on the playing field or court, but off of it as well. Character development was one of the main themes of camp. One morning before the camp day began, Coach Scott, our American basketball coaching expert, shared with the group encouraged the athletes, "You can't always control what you face in life, but you can always control how you face it." We are thankful that this important message resonated throughout camp.

India Camp 5.jpg

Upon completion of the camp, GSP coaches awarded each athlete a certificate of participation. Athletes and parents were thrilled with the outcome of the two weeks, and made their thankfulness and anticipation for more camps known throughout the two weeks, at the end of the closing ceremony, and even across social media. GSP joins them in their eagerness and excitement for what is to come for us in India in the coming year. It was truly an honor to play a part in strengthening sports programs across this great country.

To keep up with our involvement in India, follow GSP India on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @IndiaGSP! You can also find us on Facebook by searching "Global Sports Partners India". Check out the hashtag #Sports4IncredibleIndia across all platforms to see what's next!

Take a look at our Chennai Sport Development Camp Wrap-Up Video: