Interview with Jose Martin, basketball coach and founder of Love Basketball Academy
by Ilaria Biancacci
“The main reason I started coaching women is because I had two daughters, Luna and Matilda, and I wanted them to play basketball. In Spain it is very easy to find places to play but in the UK it’s a real challenge. So I decided to create a space where all girls and women in London could come together to play and train. At the Love Basketball Academy, everyone is welcome. We provide playing and coaching opportunities for girls and women of all ages; irrespective of ability, experience or nationality. Love Basketball Academy is more than a club, it is a big family“.
When Jose launched Love Basketball Academy he didn’t know it was going to become the biggest basketball club for women in London, with over 300 players and two leagues; the SUPERLEAGUE and Division 1.
“We are involved with the local community and support access to promoting basketball and developing skills for children. Myself and other Love Basketball Coaches run after school mentoring programs and in house clinics for primary and secondary schools. It’s really important for kids to start playing at a very young age, between 8 to 12 years old, to discover and experience the sport culture. For girls it’s even more important because they will tend to drop out of sports once they become more self-conscious about their bodies and appearance. They don’t like the idea of running and sweating. But if you live and breathe sports, from a younger age, you will love to play, no matter what“.
Love Basketball Academy it’s a place where everyone can have fun, playing their favorite sports, without too much pressure and pride.
“Sometimes women, and girls, are too scared to try something new, or to play a sport, because they don’t want to be judged, or they are wondering about what other people will think of them. A group of boys in a park will easily grab a ball and play. A group of girls won’t. The reason behind this it’s also the lack of example and the way society represents and talks about gender inclusion. I believe things are changing, and we are moving (even if still slowly) towards a more inclusive society. A society where my daughters will grow capable of choosing the career and the sport they love, with no pressure and prejudices“.
Follow on Facebook @LoveBasketballAcademy and Instagram @lovebasketballacademy
