GSP Tunis Hosts 3rd Annual Summer Camp

Tunis, Tunisia – GSP Tunis had a great turnout for their two-week, multi-discipline summer camp! There were 205 children in attendance, ages 4-14. The campers were split into age groups and participated in fun, educational activities throughout the time. The camp was led by professionally trained Tunisians under the direction of GSP Staff and alongside summer interns. This is the third summer camp hosted by the American Cooperative School of Tunis. 

The theme of the camp this year was Around the World. The campers learned about global culture and traditions while participating in different activities and practicing English. One of the highlights was in the Art Section of the camp. Soumaya, the art teacher, brilliantly worked with campers to recreate skylines and landscapes of world cities on recycled cardboard! The staff and campers did amazing as they used their creativity and teamwork in the project.

"This is my son's second summer camp after last year’s, and he is already looking forward to the one in 2025! I appreciate the quality of the supervision and the positive environment you and the team are providing." Parent of camper  

Scott Borders, the co-director of the camp, was really excited to work alongside the Tunisian staff and to see the joy that the campers experienced while attending camp each day.

“GSP Tunis’ Summer Camp 2024 was a great success! Campers had fun learning new skills and activities, while practicing their English under the supervision of a staff that I am very proud of.   ”

— Scott Borders

"GSP Tunis' Summer Camp 2024 was a great success! Campers had fun learning new skills and activities, while practicing their English under the supervision of a staff that I am very proud of."   Scott Borders

The support staff at the American Cooperative School of Tunis, the summer interns, and the GSP International Office were all significant supporters of the summer camp. Building on the proven success of this program, GSP Tunis is continuing to look for opportunities to grow the summer camp programs and expand to new locations.

Red Sea Infant Aquatics: A Lifesaving Initiative in Saudi Arabia

“What if I told you that you can nearly eliminate the leading cause of death for children under 4? Well, you can!”

— Christian Pratt, GSP Representative

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Red Sea Infant Aquatics, a groundbreaking survival swimming program, has recently opened its doors in Jeddah. Founded by GSP representative Christian Pratt, the program is designed for children aged 7 months to 4 years, teaching them critical survival skills that could one day save their lives. Over a four-week course, infants and toddlers learn to roll over and float on their backs from various positions in and out of the water. For older children who can walk, the program extends to teaching the SWIM–FLOAT–SWIM progression, enabling them to swim to safety at the pool's edge.

Drowning is the leading cause of death among children aged 1-4, a tragedy that is often preventable. While adult supervision is essential, studies show that 88% of child drownings occur even when an adult is present. Drowning can be fast and silent, sometimes occurring in less than 60 seconds. Red Sea Infant Aquatics, under Pratt's guidance, addresses this threat by teaching young children to roll from a face-down position in the water to a face-up floating position, allowing them to breathe and stay safe.

“We don’t know how to swim, and we are afraid of the water. We didn’t want this for our children,” shared a relieved parent.

Pratt has always been near the water. Whether it was fishing trips with his father, water skiing with his grandparents, or spending long hours in the pool during hot Texas summers, water has always been a significant part of his life. After the birth of his daughter, Pratt wanted her to enjoy the same fun experiences he had but with an emphasis on safety. His search for water safety solutions led him to the Infant Aquatics program, where he recognized the severity of infant drowning as a global public health issue. This realization inspired him to become a certified instructor, not just for his daughter’s safety but to offer lifesaving skills to other children as well.

“My baby knows how to float better than me!” - parent

The Red Sea Infant Aquatics program is intensive yet brief, consisting of 10-minute lessons, 4-5 times a week, over a span of four weeks. Thanks to the support of Team Up for Sports Academy, Pratt has successfully introduced this life-saving initiative to Saudi Arabia, where he is currently the only certified instructor in the Kingdom. His goal is to continue teaching survival swimming to young children in Saudi Arabia, aiming to make water safety an integral part of childhood.

GSP hosts Huntingdon College Men’s Basketball in Spain

Madrid, Spain – In June, Global Sports Partners organized and hosted a week-long trip for the Huntingdon College Men’s Basketball Team in Spain. The trip consisted of cultural, team-building, and basketball experiences. Huntingdon brought 18 players, 2 coaches, and 2 university administrators. GSP reps facilitated the planning and logistics, accompanying the team to the different locations. Over the course of the week, the team played five friendly games against club teams in the Madrid area; Zentro Basket, CB Las Rozas, Pablo Laso Academy, and UB Villalba.

““Sport can be a tremendous tool to develop leaders. Giving a team the opportunity to have shared cultural, competitive, and learning experiences provides the context for growth.” ”

— GSP International President Dennis Chamberlain

One vital component of the trip was leadership and team-building training led by GSP International President, Dennis Chamberlain. Together, the team discovered the five characteristics of a high-performance team and made practical applications to their team context and upcoming season. Through different activities and discussions, the players and coaching staff participated and engaged in the learning process, growing in their communication and trust.

The team also visited many significant and historic sites, learning about the local culture. They toured the cities of Toledo and Segovia and had a walking tour of downtown Madrid. There were also some non-basketball, sports highlights, including a ropes course, experiencing Real Madrid’s Bernabeu Stadium, and a Padel clinic and tournament!

True to their motto of “Enter to grow in wisdom, go forth and apply wisdom in service,” Huntingdon participated in two services projects during their time. At CB Las Rozas, the players helped with a local youth basketball camp, and on two different mornings they volunteered serving at a summer camp for children with special needs.

“Our trip to Madrid, Spain was a truly amazing experience. Coach Dennis Chamberlain and Global Sports Partners put together an incredible trip for us, and our guys made the most of each moment. From the ropes course and zip lining, to serving at a local basketball camp as well as a school for children with special needs, to learning how to play Padel and having a team tournament, to tours of Toledo and Segovia, and of course the games we played while there, memories were made to last a lifetime. It was special for me to see our guys thrive in different environments and come together more than ever. They represented themselves, our program, and our college with excellence. Our brotherhood certainly grew much stronger during our time in Spain, and I cannot wait to get this season started with this group and our incoming guys.” Coach Zac Richards

Plans are underway to continue and expand this successful program next summer!

GSP Rep Lianna Gates Competing with Najmat Jeddah

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Global Sports Partners representative, Lianna Gates, completed her first season with Najmat Jeddah Football Club in the first division of the Saudi women’s professional league. They competed in the Western Region against teams from Jeddah, Mecca, and Taif, and they also traveled to Dammam to participate in the Women’s Cup.

Najmat Jeddah signed 25 women for the 2023-2024 season, five of whom were foreign professionals with representation from the Tunisian and Syrian women’s national teams. Trainings took place six days a week, with matches typically played weekly or biweekly on Thursdays. They were led by Coach Fadi, a Syrian, and a Saudi assistant coach, Coach Faisal. Both have experience with their respective national teams.

One of the highlights of the season for Lianna came in the second game of the season against Neom FC. Lianna, who usually plays center mid, scored the team’s second goal of the match in their 3-2 win. The whole team implemented the strategy of the coach, pushed themselves to their maximum effort, and got to see their work pay off with a great win! The joy of the celebration was contagious!

Lianna described her role as captain for the season as both rewarding and challenging. In her evaluation, the head coach described her as a “true leader.” He also commended her on keeping a cool head in heated moments and for setting an example of excellence in play and conduct under pressure.

“The whole atmosphere around women's sports in Saudi Arabia currently is electric. Things are changing and growing faster than you can blink. Watching the women and girls around me being encouraged and empowered in their athletic talents was one of the greatest joys for me this season. I am eager to see the heights that these women can reach as they are given resources and support for football development.” Lianna Gates

Lianna is currently planning to re-sign with Najmat Jeddah for the coming season. Although the club did not reach all their goals last season, Lianna believes Najmat Jeddah is building a program where Saudi women are developed and grow as footballers. They are definitely a club to watch for this season!

Lianna also recognizes the significant role Global Sports Partners played in negotiating her contract and supporting her through the season. “I am really grateful for how well GSP takes care of their coaches and players. GSP maintained good rapport with club management while ensuring that I had the best playing experience possible.”

Reshape holds Basketball Camp for Alexandria Sporting Club

Alexandria, Egypt – Reshape recently held a successful basketball camp for Alexandria Sporting Club, one of the top clubs in Egypt. Partnering with the American organization, Vision Sports, they coached fundamentals of basketball to almost 100 young athletes! The camp consisted of five evenings, for four hours each evening, using three outdoor, full-size basketball courts. During the week the Reshape team and American coaches also facilitated three sessions of coach training for 10 to 12 coaches.

Over the course of each training, the players went through different stations that focused on different aspects or skills in basketball. In improving all aspects of each athlete, there was also a physical fitness station and a “values” station where athletes were taught a specific value each night.

The Reshape volunteers facilitated team-building activities during one of the hours. Although some of the parents and coaches were at first skeptical of including team-building activities in a basketball camp, they quickly saw the children’s enjoyment of the games and engagement in the discussion groups. It was undeniably one of the most important segments of the whole week!

“Thank you so much for doing this! There is just a different spirit with your coaches compared to what we are used to.” A mother of one of the participants

Vision Sports has been a long-time partner with Reshape, conducting different camps over several years. As the American team works with Reshape for special projects, the clubs and other organizations experience the quality of Reshape programs and the positive impact their programs have. Global Sports Partners values long-term commitment to communities and supports Reshape as they use sports to grow individuals as well as communities.

Global Sports Partners representative and Reshape coach, Bryant Baker “It was a great experience that not only impacted the players and their families who attended for the week, but also opened doors for future partnership with this club and other major clubs.”

Reshape is not slowing down after the camp! They are working nonstop throughout the summer, including conducting other projects and several more three-day camps in other locations.

Coach Matias Greco Equips Sohar Club for Success

Sohar, Oman – Global Sports Partners representative, Matias Greco, recently completed his first season as Strength and Conditioning coach with the Sohar Football Club in Oman. Coach Greco implemented new training methodology to prevent injuries and improve players fitness. The players bought into the new regimen, and the club achieved its best campaign in its history!

Sohar’s team consisted of 28 players, led by six members of the coaching staff. A normal training week included six days of training. Over the course of the season, the team finished with no muscle tears or soft tissue injuries. Greco credits his team with being dedicated to their training and coming to the gym with enthusiasm.

“At first, all of us players had a hard time adopting a new methodology and training very hard, but over time we were able to see the physical difference (it) made and we are very happy and grateful.”

— Sohar Player

Coach Greco’s methodology involves empowering the players individually and as a group to accomplish the proposed objectives. Changing the players’ mentality and teamwork are also goals of his training.

“In the world of football where only winning is generally valued and rewarded, for me it is very important for each player, not only to win, but to work and take the right path.” Coach Greco

Coach Greco attributes the success of the team to the management, coaching staff, and mainly the players, who sought from the very first day to take Sohar to the top of the league. Through teamwork, dedication, and sacrifice, they were able to achieve it!

GSP is pleased to announce that Coach Greco renewed his contract with Sohar Football Club for the 2024/2025 season. The team is currently in pre-season training for the Omantel League. Coach Greco will strive to continually improve the physical condition of the players in all aspects as they aim to reach even higher levels this season.

Basketball Development in South Africa

Edenvale, South Africa – Global Sports Partners representative Anthony Shelton is at the heart of basketball development in South Africa. Having already established himself in the sport development scene through his work in flag football and ultimate frisbee, Shelton decided to attend Edenvale Lions Basketball Academy in December of 2023. What began as a simple search for a place to play local pick-up games quickly developed into much more, as there was immediate interest from the club for Shelton to begin training academy players and get involved more officially with the club. By February, he was asked to become the head coach of the men’s senior team which was already deep into their season schedule. After a challenging start to the year, Coach Shelton led the team to three wins in their last four Inter-City Super League games. 

Benji Ngandu is a player, coach, and event organizer with Edenvale

"I've been involved in this team, this academy, for five years now from a player to captain to coach to event organizer and so on ... Personally speaking, the amount of development I have and still am witnessing amongst the players and managers, from their skillset to mindset to characteristics, from the few months alone Coach Anthony has been with us has been the most impactful and influential period in this academy's history. All the work he's done has had the greatest influence on the academy since I joined this team five years ago. The learning curve we're all going through is exceptional, and I personally couldn't be more grateful for what he's done and just who he is." 

Additionally, Shelton has been working with Ngandu and Coach Edson Makavan, co-founder of the Edenvale Lions Basketball Academy to grow the sport of 3x3. Officially in the Olympic program for the next two cycles, 3x3 development is generating momentum worldwide, and Coach Shelton is helping lead the charge in his own backyard. But all of that work does not stop at the local level. Shelton has been training the South Africa men’s national 3x3 team and recently led the squad in a large tournament in Reunion Island, which featured the French national team – which is currently competing as the host team of the Olympics.  

Still, there is much work to be done to grow the sport domestically, and Shelton’s own team of four, along with Makavan, Ngandu, and Manny Middleton, the 3x3 National Coordinator for Basketball, are seeking to organize 3x3 activation events that will raise awareness and grow excitement of the sport at home in hopes of qualifying for the Olympic Games in 2028.  

In May, 28 teams in four different categories competed in an activation event organized by Shelton, Makavan, and Ngandu. There were approximately 112 participants and over 200 people in attendance – an undeniable success! Other activation events will be held throughout the year to continue to build on the strong foundation that has been set. Edenvale will continue to be a focal point, as there are plans for the club to host a major tournament at the end of the year. 

There are still many opportunities for basketball development throughout the region, both in 3x3 and traditional 5-on-5. Shelton is continuing to work with the Edenvale Lions Basketball Academy, the national 3x3 teams, and Makavan, Middleton, and Ngandu to see basketball reach its full potential in South Africa. 

Stadio Football Academy celebrates One-Year Anniversary

Global Sports Partners congratulates Stadio Football Academy on their One-Year Anniversary! Joel Ballejos, a GSP representative and the academy director, has grown Stadio to serving over 100 players, from 5-year olds to working professionals. Stadio provides excellent training at every practice through strong organizational values and a passion for sport and player development.

Led by two Argentine Technical Directors, Kelo and Dama, and four Indian coaches, the academy has created an exceptional culture that develops each athlete as a person and as a player. The players proudly wear their jerseys and excitedly arrive at the trainings! Over the last year camaraderie and friendship has grown between coaches, players, and parents.

 “The class is fantastic, and my son is thoroughly enjoying playing with them [Stadio]. The coaches are highly professional and have excellent strategies. I highly recommend it for football enthusiasts.” Parent of a Stadio Football Academy player

Stadio held events and participated in different leagues and competitions over the past year. One instance during the U11 league highlights Stadio’s impact on character as well as football development. Before one of the matches a boy from the academy came to the huddle and read a speech that he wrote about what his coaches mean to him and the importance of his teammates in his life. He was so happy to be able to share with his team!  

“From a dream to a reality, the football academy has been a venue for sports in India, for training for kids, and for growth personally as we build this business and football culture in our city.” Joel Ballejos, GSP Representative and Academy Director

The Academy is currently working at two different venues and is looking to expand the hours they offer training. Through the success Stadio has seen, they are primed to grow their current programs, to move into more competitive areas in football, and to explore opportunities in other areas and in other sports.

GSP hosts GSP/Chief Minister Punjab Baseball League

Global Sports Partners, the Pakistan Baseball Federation, and Forman College hosted a training and tournament—titled the GSP Chief Minister Punjab Baseball League—in Lahore Pakistan for male and female baseball players from all over the country. The GSP team of experts included former Major League Baseball player, Mickey Weston, GSP’s founder, Steve DeVoss, Justin Rhodes, Rebecca Pack, Allie Furches, and Brian Furches.  

The event ran from April 15 to April 21 and consisted of two and a half days of training and four days of tournament-style competition. Approximately 60 male players and 60 female players attended the training, along with about 10 umpires, 15 coaches, and 10 Pakistan Baseball Federation personnel. The event was hosted at the recently completed baseball field built by GSP representative Brian Furches at Forman College. The player development training included pitching instruction, fielding and position work, hitting and swing analysis, and baserunning instruction. The event provided the players an opportunity to improve all aspects of their game.  

““Events and opportunities like this are critical for baseball development in Pakistan. Baseball has been played in Pakistan for many years and the skills demonstrated by many of these male and female players is impressive. A chance for these players and coaches to receive expert instruction not only elevates their skills and knowledge, but it also lets them know that they are not alone in their baseball development journey—GSP and Coach Furches are in their corner and are excited to see how high they can climb.” ”

— Justin Rhodes, Director of Baseball and Business Development

At the end of the final training day, players were split into three female teams and three male teams to compete against one another, culminating in a championship game on the last day. During the games, the GSP experts worked with the national coaches and umpires discussing game strategy and rule interpretation in different situations. 

There were many talented players that attended the event, and the level of play in Pakistan is rising. There were several strong pitchers among the men, hitting speeds in the upper 80s. These players, as well as the other participants, worked hard to learn and maintained a good attitude throughout the event. As they have more opportunities for game experience, their skills will continue to improve, along with their ranking in the international baseball community. 

GSP and Coach Furches are already working towards planning a second training event later this year at Forman College. 

Ultimate Frisbee in Northern Iraq

Global Sports Partners (GSP) Malaysia recently made strides in fostering leadership and sports development through a consultancy initiative with lead trainer and general manager, Mark Pedroza. Pedroza visited Global Leadership International in Kurdistan, Iraq to lead training sessions and assist in program development for local ultimate frisbee teams in the region.

During the visit, Pedroza had the opportunity to share content from GSP’s Transformational Coaching course at the American Corner located at the University of Sulaimani, in collaboration with American Corner Director Hawbir Hamaali Abdalla. The session resonated deeply with attendees, who displayed enthusiasm and a thirst for knowledge, evident in their asking questions long after the presentation had officially concluded.

“The event was an overall success and shows how —if coaches and players want to excel and make the necessary changes— they will be successful and grow exponentially.” – Mark Pedroza, Lead Trainer and General Manager of GSP Malaysia

The events unfolded over a five-day period, marking the beginning of a new chapter for sports development in Kurdistan. The success of the Transformational Coaching session at the University of Sulaimani and the subsequent planning of multiple tournaments highlighted the growing enthusiasm and participation among athletes and teams in the region. With new programs and athletes joining the sporting community in Sulaymaniyah, the momentum for growth and excellence continues to unfold.

Pedroza extended his support to local ultimate frisbee teams by assisting in development of action plans to enhance their Ultimate programs. His hands-on approach involved coaching and engaging with the teams directly, offering valuable suggestions and ideas to fortify their leadership and overall performance. The collaborative efforts culminated in a tournament held at the American University of Kurdistan in Dohuk, Kurdistan, where two teams comprising 50 participants, supported by two coaches and four captains, showcased their skills and sportsmanship.

As Global Sports Partners Malaysia and Global Leadership International continue to spearhead initiatives that empower athletes and teams, the path to success and inclusive sports development in Kurdistan only grows brighter and more promising with each project and program.

New Academies in Oman

Global Sports Partners (GSP) representatives in Oman have taken meaningful strides towards skill development and inclusivity by launching two innovative academies catering to diverse groups of young athletes. These initiatives are led by GSP Oman Basketball Coach, Drew Geoghagan. The first initiative, the Adaptive Academy, stands as a beacon of support for students with special needs, encompassing both cognitive and physical challenges. This academy offers a rotational sports curriculum, ensuring students receive comprehensive exposure to various sports and skill sets on a quarterly basis.

In parallel, the American Hoops Academy caters to both boys and girls aged 7-18. It is focused on honing basketball skills and fostering character growth among participants. Many students in this academy are experiencing team sports, particularly basketball, for the first time, underlining the transformative impact of the program. GSP Oman is particularly encouraged by the increased participation of girls in the basketball academy, providing them with valuable opportunities in sports engagement.

Noteworthy testimonials from parents and coaches underscore the profound impact of these academies. A parent from the Adaptive Academy expressed gratitude for the program, “Please don’t leave. We don’t have any other academy like this. The kids need this.” The engagement numbers reflect the growing interest and impact of both academies, with American Hoops Academy witnessing participation from a diverse group of boys and girls, and the Adaptive Academy fostering inclusivity with a dedicated team of coaches and volunteers.

“We are honored at GSP Oman to help kids with special needs. They desire to play sports and live life to the fullest like their neurotypical peers. It is a joy to help them feel valued and see the excitement on their faces.” – GSP Oman Basketball Coach, Drew Geoghagan  

As the season has ended for both academies, GSP Oman sets its sights on the next season. Programs will resume in August and September, alongside collaborative events with partner, Decathlon Oman, to promote program awareness and engagement. The team aims to expand the academy in 2025 with establishing an additional adaptive night in another locality.

GSP Oman would like to thank Decathlon Oman for hosting an event to kickstart the inaugural season in November 2023. The team would also like to thank ABQ Seeb International School for the partnership and allowing them to use their school facilities, Eshraq Rehabilitation Center for their friendship and advocacy as the academy began and Connie Halfaker for contributing to the very first adaptive session. All these partners played pivotal roles in fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for young athletes with diverse needs.

GSP Oman's unwavering commitment to empowering young athletes, fostering inclusivity, and developing talent shines brightly through these transformative academies, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all participants.

Transformational Coaching in Tunis

Over the past 7 months, Global Sports Partners (GSP) Tunis has continued to provide Coaches’ Training for local Tunisian coaches. GSP Tunis Representative, Scott Borders, has spearheaded two exceptional training programs that have left a lasting impact on participants.

The first training was GSP’s Transformational Coaching course in which Borders led the participants through Level 1 of the coach development curriculum. The sessions spanned from November to December 2023. Seven coaches engaged in four intensive two-hour sessions and successfully completed the course.

For the second training in March 2024, two primary areas of focus were covered: Transformational Coaching and Coaching Baseball Training. Three individuals actively participated in the holistic coaching sessions, and a total of seven coaches immersed themselves in the Level 1 baseball training over four weeks.

Scott Borders is a natural coach and passionate coaches’ trainer who thrives in delivering the Transformational Coaching material. One of the participating coaches, Nadhem Bohli, aptly captured the essence of the training by stating, "Baseball is hard but a lot of fun." Scott emphasizes the importance of character in all of GSP Tunis’ programs, instilling this value in both the participants and the young children involved in their programs.

Looking ahead, GSP Tunis is committed to further integrating Transformational Coaching into their local programs. Scott Borders envisions a path where 150 coaches will be trained in the Level 1 coaching program within the next 3 years. Through these initiatives, GSP Tunis continues to nurture a culture of learning, growth, and character building within its coaching community, ensuring a positive impact on both coaches and the young athletes they mentor.

Baseball5 in Mauritania

In March, a significant initiative was undertaken by Global Sports Partners Tunis Coaches, Scott Borders and James Max Miller, to bring the exciting world of Baseball5 to local schools in Mauritania. Borders and Miller traveled to Nouakchott where they collaborated with the Mauritania Baseball and Softball Association to introduce this innovative sport at the grassroots level, aiming to make a lasting impact on the youth through sports.

The initiative involved intensive training sessions for teachers and coaches, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to integrate Baseball5 into their physical education programs. The objective was not only to teach a game but to instill values of teamwork, discipline, and a love for sports in the young minds they encountered.

A standout moment for Global Sports Partners was witnessing the remarkable progress of children who were initially unfamiliar with baseball or Baseball 5. Seeing them learn, grow, and apply their newfound skills was a testament to the power of sports in transforming lives and building confidence.

"This project in Mauritania was a great opportunity for GSP to grow its global influence and impact people by introducing Baseball5 to coaches and players who had never played before. In completing this project, we hope to continue to support the association in Mauritania and see both baseball and Baseball5 grow in popularity throughout the country and region." – Global Sports Partners Tunis Program Director, James Max Miller

The culmination of their time was marked by a friendly tournament that brought together teams and coaches from the program. This event not only showcased the progress made but also forged connections between schools and coaches, nurturing a community of sports enthusiasts committed to continuing the game in the future.

During the project, they successfully introduced Baseball5 in four schools, training four baseball coaches in the intricacies of the game and introducing four PE teachers to the fundamentals of Baseball5. Over 200 students had the opportunity to experience playing Baseball5, opening doors to a new world of sports and camaraderie.

The initiative in Mauritania stands as a shining example of how Global Sports Partners looks to deliver new opportunities to new communities through the transformative power of sport.

Baseball and Softball Training in Bhutan

Global Sports Partners (GSP) Coaches recently had an exciting opportunity to re-engage with the sports community in Bhutan, a country renowned for its rich history in sports training. This endeavor marked a significant return for GSP, as they embarked on a baseball and softball training project in February 2024, following a series of successful projects in the past.

GSP’s Director of Business Development, Justin Rhodes, and Director of Sport Programming, Tyler Ferguson, accompanied by four experts from the USA, led a four-day training program aimed at enhancing the skills of both coaches and players in Bhutan. The primary objectives of the training initiative centered on providing advanced coaching techniques and fostering player development for potential inclusion in the national teams.

The picturesque setting of Dechencholing Higher School in Thimphu served as the perfect backdrop for a comprehensive training schedule. The sessions kicked off with morning classes conducted in a school classroom, where 15 young baseball and softball coaches received training on GSP's Transformational Coaching curriculum and sport-specific education. Following the classroom sessions, the coaches and trainers moved to the school's football pitch for hands-on field training. The week culminated with an umpire session and a wiffle ball mini-game, allowing the coaches to put their newly acquired skills into practice.

“The coaching program has greatly enriched my understanding of coaching techniques in baseball and softball. I have acquired a wealth of new knowledge about effective training methods and how to improve as a coach. Some key takeaways from the international experts include enhancing athletes' competence, confidence, connection, and character within specific coaching contexts. I plan to implement what I have learned during matches and training sessions. Additionally, I intend to support new players.” — Bishnu Lal Chamlagai, Participant and Head Coach of Jigme Namgyel

In the afternoon sessions, 20 baseball and 20 softball players at the U18 and senior levels engaged in detailed player development training under the guidance of both expert trainers and trainee coaches. The focus lay on skill enhancement, game strategy, and honing their capabilities for potential national team selection. The highlight of the training program was a thrilling 70-minute live gameplay session, followed by a certificate ceremony recognizing the hard work and achievements of the players throughout the week.

"This week has been an honor and a highlight for our entire team. We realized immediately that Bhutan is a special place with special people. We have been delighted to spend time working with the players and coaches from the Bhutan Baseball and Softball Association. In the classroom and on the field, everyone did an outstanding job coming together and working hard to learn and improve. It was rewarding to see rapid development in very little time. We had 15 coaches and 40 players join us this week, and each one of them enhanced their skills, expanded their knowledge, and increased their confidence. 

I want to give a special thank you to Dechencholing Higher School, its staff and students for opening its doors to host our programs. I also want to thank Sanjeevan Raj Gurung and the BBSA team for being a tremendous partner throughout this project. A bond has been formed this week, and we are excited to continue to share the game of baseball throughout the beautiful nation of Bhutan." – Global Sports Partners Director of Sport Programming, Tyler Ferguson

The collaboration between GSP Coaches and the Bhutan Baseball and Softball Association was instrumental in the success of the event. The dedication and passion exhibited by all participants underscored the collective commitment to advancing sports training and player development in Bhutan, setting a promising stage for future collaborations and initiatives in the realm of sports education.

Jeddah Youth Basketball League

Global Sports Partners representatives and coaches in Saudi Arabia have delivered excellent training in a wide array of sports over the years. One of the newest additions to GSP’s work in Jeddah is pioneering the Jeddah Youth Basketball League, initiated by GSP Representative and TeamUP Coach, Travis Stark.  

The Jeddah Youth Basketball League is a grassroots basketball league developed for participation by existing academies in Jeddah. The inaugural season included six teams at the U13 level: TeamUP, Cedar Stars, Swish, Era, Armed, and Jeddah United. Coach Stark worked closely with Coach Hamad of Cedar Stars Academy to find referees, secure playing venues, and communicate with the other coaches.  

“The Jeddah Youth U13 Basketball League has proven to be a success by fostering a fun and competitive environment that encourages teamwork, sportsmanship, and a love for the game.  This league provides a valuable outlet for young athletes to develop their skills, build confidence, and create lasting friendships.” – Coach Hamad, Head Coach of Cedar Stars Academy 

 The 2023 season included 60 players from the six participating teams in a group play format followed by semi-final and final championship matches. Teams were divided into two groups of three, playing a double round-robin format (two games versus each team in the group). This regular rhythm of play increased both skill development and the spirit of competition for the young players and their communities.  The 2023 League Championship was won by Cedar Stars Academy.  

“The 2023 Jeddah Youth Basketball League was a groundbreaking success for the overall future and development of grassroots basketball in Jeddah and KSA. There are some challenges to realizing and developing a sustainable, organized youth basketball league, but I believe we took some important steps to accomplishing it.” – Global Sports Partners Representative and TeamUP Coach, Travis Stark

The league context is a lesser-known format for academies in Jeddah. The 2023 league’s birth was the culmination of months initially spent networking and collaborating. Based on the success of this collaboration, Stark intends to see a second season of the league in 2024. The league aims to add new age groups and girls’ groups, as well as to spark the development of other leagues in the future. 

13th African Games in Ghana

Ghana recently hosted the 13th African Games in Accra, the nation’s capital. Global Sports Partners International President, Dennis Chamberlain, attended the Games along with GSP Director of Business Development, Justin Rhodes, and North Africa Regional Project Manager, Marc Neie. 

“Being graciously hosted by the Ghanaian delegation, our GSP staff was privileged to attend the African Games in Accra. While there, we were able to meet with members of various National Olympic Committees and sports federations, as well as coaches and athletes, to learn about their needs and how we as a company can help them achieve their goals.”  

—Global Sports Partners Regional Project Manager, Marc Neie.  

The Global Sports Partners delegation enjoyed watching the high-level competition and holding meetings with officials from across the continent. They are grateful for the hospitality of Ghana Baseball and Softball Federation President Ernest Fiifi Danso and and Vice President Edmund Kwesi Ackom.  

It was a privilege for GSP’s International President to meet officials from the Namibia National Olympic Committee, the Chadian Olympic and Sports Committee, the African Handball Confederation, and the Benin men’s national handball team. 

“In each one of my conversations with sport leaders, I sensed a shared commitment to raising the level of sport in their countries. They also are concerned about providing more opportunities in sport for their people. These are important priorities for GSP as we strive to Improve Performance, Increase Participation, and Inspire Purpose through all of our programs and trainings.” 

—Global Sports Partners International President, Dennis Chamberlain 

Congratulations to the hosts and to the African Games Coordination Commission and the Local Organizing Committee Ghana on a successful event with two weeks of competition, bringing together 5000+ elite athletes and 55 African countries in 29 sports. 

Tunis Turkey Bowl

In 2023, flag football attracted attention on the global stage with the announcement of its inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympic Games. Global Sports Partners Tunisia responded to the excitement with the first annual Turkey Bowl in Tunis. The Turkey Bowl was a great day of competition, introduction to the sport of flag football, and family fun, all organized around the American holiday, Thanksgiving.  

The 140 participants in the Turkey Bowl were distributed among three age groups, with varying levels: eight teams in the adult category, four teams in the age 12-17 category, and three teams in the age 9-11 category. The winning teams in each category took home first place medals and a team picture with the golden football. 

Among the participants were 45 Tunisians who had never played the game before. Each team had the opportunity to play four games throughout the day, building skills and accumulating experience. GSP Tunis coaches led the youth teams from the Tunis area. Two other youth teams traveled in from a city in the south to participate in the Turkey Bowl.  

“It was exciting to see so many new players coming out to play, along with bringing together the community of so many friends and families. It was a great way to see the interest level in the sport grow for the future of GSP in Tunisia.” – Global Sports Partners Coach, Emily Evans.  

Off the field, the community came together in a beautiful way, as the teams were supported by more than 100 spectators. A concessions fundraiser was set up for a local school and another local vendor came in to sell sandwiches.

Global Sports Partners Tunis looks forward to seeing growth of flag football as they plan toward the 2024 edition of the Turkey Bowl and other events leading up to the 2028 Summer Olympics.  

Baseball Training in Mauritania

In October, Global Sports Partners (GSP) Baseball Experts partnered with the Association Mauritania Baseball and Softball (AMBS) to implement a twofold training on Baseball and Transformational Coaching. The five-day event included sessions focused on both coaching and playing with the goal of developing baseball in Mauritania.  

“This project was a great experience for the youth and coaches that participated. All participants showed great enthusiasm about learning this unfamiliar sport and, even better, they learned how they can apply many of the concepts GSP emphasizes—teamwork, overcoming adversity, and fair play—both on the field and in life.” – GSP Director of Business Development, Justin Rhodes.

The GSP experts were able to build on developing Baseball interest in the country in recent years. Over five days in Nouakchott, the Mauritanian coaches participated in morning classroom sessions with instruction on Transformational Coaching and an Introduction to Baseball. In the evenings, 100 children, new to the sport, participated in 90-minute player training to learn the fundamentals of baseball.  

The week concluded with a combined session to implement the Coaches Training and the Player Training. After an exciting day of baseball, 22 coaches and 100 children received certificates for successfully completing the training program. The week produced great enthusiasm for baseball among the community. Players, coaches, and GSP experts alike anticipate the next baseball event in Mauritania in 2024.  

GSP Türkiye Coach at Çosa Summer Camp

GSP Türkiye Representative and Basketball Expert, Bryan Spears, has jumped into basketball camps for the past three summers. For the summer of 2023, Spears partnered with Çosa, a youth sports club for a summer camp with a multifaceted focus. Çosa operated a sport-focused day camp for 90 children that engaged their minds and bodies in three different three-week terms. The holistic camps were a great success and addition to Spears’ coaching experience.  

Spears participated as a native English speaker engaging kids in creative ways, including basketball. There were 7-10 other coaches doing various sports activities that engaged the body and mind of the students. Spears’ primary responsibility was to help students grow in English proficiency.   

"To coach someone is to support them, encourage them, and give them tools not just to succeed in sport, but to succeed in life. Teaching English in this type of sports day camp environment has given me a different perspective of how I can support my players to grow and improve, even in their language, which will hopefully give them more opportunities in life." – Bryan Spears  

The students showed increasing excitement and confidence in their spoken English. Throughout the three-week terms, more students would approach Spears during the break time to practice their English and engage in longer conversations. Some of the children were very hesitant to practice English at the beginning of the term but continued to listen well and showed progress by the end.  

One of the popular games that Spears used involved four students. The students were asked a question, then raced to grab an American football which gave the one with the football the opportunity to provide a correct answer in English.  Each time students played, they were more engaged in the game and the quieter students showed progress in confidence to win the race and answer the questions.

Spears plans to continue incorporating English into his sport programs to help players build more for their future as they share a love for and dedication to basketball.  

Tunis Summer Camp

GSP Tunis continues to provide excellent year-round programming. In 2023, this included four weeks of fun, structured summer camp. In June, the camp season kicked off with a week of baseball. The team worked alongside Tunisian coaches to teach specific skills, while also teaching the kids (ages 4-14) how to play with a high level of character.

Weeks two and three were a multi-disciplinary camp. Participants had the opportunity to engage with different disciplines such as sport, art, swimming, music, technology, etc. while the sections are taught by Tunisian teachers and coaches.

“It was a highlight to see everything come together to provide an excellent experience for campers and families, there were so many smiling and happy faces throughout camp.”– James Max Miller, GSP Tunis Representative.

“Another highlight was working alongside the Tunisian coaches and teachers. I saw their gifts and abilities at work every day. For the multi-discipline camp, we had a staff of about 30 Tunisian coaches. All of them had different giftings and abilities that they used during camp,“ Miller said.

A group of American interns came to support the team in putting on a well-rounded camp experience. One of the visiting interns unfortunately hurt his leg during camp. This experience gave the staff an opportunity to practice adaptability and modify what roles would serve everyone best. Another staff member stepped into his swimming instruction role without hesitation and did a fantastic job!

The final week of camp focused on basketball. Though the temperatures were high, the team’s spirits were higher! “Our hope in these camps is that the players not only walk away with high quality training, but also lessons that they can apply in all areas of their lives. We don’t determine our success at camp by what we receive as GSP reps, but what the campers (and staff) can walk away with and apply to the rest of their lives” – Miller said.

GSP Tunis continues to provide stellar programming and you can look forward to some new sports being highlighted from the Fall season!