Spain visit aids basketball club 's long-term plans

A Birmingham basketball club has been tapping into the expertise of a Spanish professional team as they look to shape their own long-term vision.

City of Birmingham Rockets CEO Robert Palmer visited professional club HLA Alicante to learn more about their rise through the Spanish basketball system.

With the Nechells-based Rockets currently reviewing their own long-term strategy, the trip allowed Rob to learn about the Alicante club 's operations on and off the court.

The Rockets first developed links with HLA Alicante - who play in the second tier of Spanish basketball - four years ago when they collaborated on a BasketJoy Erasmus+ Inclusion Project, which promotes inclusive basketball initiatives.

The two clubs share common ground with Alicante reforming as a foundation in 2015 and the Rockets established as a club with charitable and community purposes.

Rob said: “My time here has been very educational and I am looking forward to seeing how some practices can be implemented back into our plans in Birmingham for the betterment of our club, players and coaches.

“I have been able to gain an insight into key decisions made relating to the club infrastructure, roster and coaching staff that will impact upon the club successes on the court.

“I have been given full access to club operations on and off court, from the youth programmes through to their first teams, gaining an in-depth look at how they are structured and function. ”

As well as learning about Alicante 's operational side, Rob was also keen to learn about how players are taught and developed in Spain.

He added: “The basketball culture and teaching styles are something I am keen we learn from, including not just how the game is taught but how players are effectively developed.

“There are areas from a coaching perspective that we can certainly learn from. We can have more impact with more contact time and appropriate teachings from a young age.

“This along with developing our workforce effectively will help us create a better learning environment in future. ”

Pictured: Rob Palmer (centre) with HLA Alicante president Tony Gallego and sporting director Luis Arbalejo