CRISTI Juffermans has been chosen to help shape the future of basketball in Northern NSW.

The former Coffs Harbour Suns junior coach was named by Basketball NSW as a Regional Development Officer for the Northern NSW region.

Juffermans will be responsible for helping to develop the sport in the Northern NSW region, which involves a number of different duties including sport development, female specific participation programs, female leadership programs, indigenous participation programs, education programs for coaches and officials as well as better access to play and participate in basketball for residents in regional and remote areas of NSW.

The Coffs Harbour resident’s development duties will be part of Basketball NSW’s legacy program to be run across the state in association with the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.

Her appointment was made as part of Basketball NSW’s plan to significantly increase both the levels of participation and inclusion across all areas of the state to assist growing the game at the grassroots level.

Juffermans said she couldn’t wait to take on the vital role.

“Growing up with basketball in my blood, I’m excited to be working with Basketball NSW and promoting the sport that I’m so passionate about, I can’t wait to get started!” she said.

Juffermans shared with News Of The Area her plans for the new role.

“Getting back to a grassroots level, and basically getting kids to start playing basketball again,” she said.

“Getting girls playing and keeping them playing, as a lot of girls stop playing in their teens so that will be a focus of mine.

“I’m passionate about sport and the future of basketball in NSW, and I want to promote playing basketball.”

She explained the big part basketball had played in her life, and the importance of juniors such as her daughter playing basketball.

“I’ve played basketball my whole life – playing for Queensland as a junior, then at Coffs Harbour Basketball Association as a senior firstly as a player in their State League team, then later in the capacity of coach when my children started to play,” she said.

“I believe that children being involved in sport has so many benefits, not just for their physical fitness.

“It’s critical for their confidence, self-esteem and helps them academically and socially.

“I feel sad when children decide not to play because they feel nervous or lack confidence to give it a go.

“Programs like the ‘Indigenous and Linguistically Diverse’, ‘I am a Girl’ and ‘Aussie Hoops’ are all so important to encourage all children to compete.

“My own daughter was really nervous about playing basketball when she was seven years old.

“There were many tears shed in the basketball car park, I strongly believe that if she didn’t have opportunities to participate in similar programs at such a young age, she would not have continued to play (now at state level), and she wouldn’t be the confident young person she is today.”

 

By Aiden BURGESS