A free youth basketball clinic on Aug. 14 accomplished its goal of helping to build youth basketball in Cochrane.

Organized by the Filipino Canadian Association of Cochrane Alberta (FCACA) with the support of several sponsors, it gave about 40 local youth a taste of the fundamentals of the sport.

Andy De Guzman, of the Filipino Canadian Basketball Academy (FCBA) Blizzards, lead the training with the assistance of members of the Cochrane Ballers team, and the local Filipino association.

FCACA president Mike Bautista says it's just one of the programs of the Filipino association, which is also currently offering a summer-long art course for youth. 

"My goal as a Filipino leader is to get involved with sports as well as art. That's why I talked to my friend at Blizzard Basketball to put on a free clinic in Cochrane, and it's sponsored by the Filipino community of Cochrane."

For two hours, the youth enhanced their skill level through a series of drills. They were broken into two groups about the halfway mark that reflected their skill level.

The kids not only had a blast learning more about the sport, but they also had a chance to win prizes. A draw was made for a basketball, plus 10 of them walked away with $10 cash from a draw, thanks to a $100 cash donation. 

Bryan Verdillo, the cofounder of the Ballers, was impressed by the enthusiasm and effort of the participants.

"This was our long-time dream to conduct this kind of event for young ones."

"It's good for the kids, and they also learn discipline, camaraderie, the fundaments of basketball, and hook up into sports. We're overwhelmed and glad of the success of this event."

He says this was their dry run, and they plan to hold larger events in the future.

The Ballers have won three championships and are entering their eighth season. He says they have an eye on the future.

"Our main goal now is to pass the torch. We are developing young kids that can represent our beautiful town."

FCBA Blizzards is a community-based basketball program positively impacting youth players, families, and coaches. It aims to empower participants to reach their full potential in sports and personal development.

De Guzman came to Calgary about two years ago from the Philippines, where he had an impressive 19-year basketball career and began teaching youth the sport in 2004. He helped create the FCBA and is its basketball program director.

De Guzman says he was pleased to see registration climb to 40 after sitting around 16 in the early goings.

"I think it was good. I was very excited to teach them the basics and the proper way to play basketball."

He looks forward to returning in the future.

The Cochrane Ballers are currently gearing up for a season that opens in mid-October.