Open Letter from Ryan Chambers – Head of Performance and Coaching Pathways
To everyone across the Basketball Wales family,
It’s a real privilege to write to you in my new role as Head of Performance and Coaching Pathways. I step into this role with a deep sense of responsibility and an even deeper belief in the potential of basketball in Wales.
Firstly, I want to acknowledge the dedication of the Basketball Wales Board for the work they’ve done to bring us to this point. Their commitment has laid foundations we can now build on — stronger, smarter, and together.
I’d like to extend my gratitude in particular to Phil Gordos, who has served as BW’s voluntary performance director for the last 3 years. He has played an integral part in shaping the performance environment. My aim is to build on the foundations that Phil has created while he moves into a partnership management position at Basketball Wales working closely with our new kit partners Nike/Kit King and being a representative on the new British Championship Basketball Board. Phil starts this new voluntary role with immediate effect.
I’m excited to build a sustainable performance culture within Welsh Basketball by working with Danny Williams (Performance Programme Manager) to develop and further our Junior Academy sessions. We’re committed to creating a programme that develops players and coaches that aligns to a Welsh and GB way of playing basketball.
As we focus on the performance end it is important to highlight the good work the regional U13 Hubs provided which has helped identify 10 new players who will be invited to join our National Academy in September and take them on their first steps to unlocking their potential. Dates for the 2025/26 regional hub sessions will be released shortly. Players in school years 6,7 and 8 should keep an eye out on our social media and website for dates, venues and how to book!
Finally, I want to recognise all of you: the players, coaches, parents, organisers, team managers and officials. Without your time, energy and belief, we wouldn’t be in a position to seize the opportunities ahead. The passion within the basketball community in Wales is something special and it’s important we use this to ignite our potential.
For now it’s integral for me to listen and understand all the positive and negative perspectives as well as ideas from all corners of Wales to create a shared sustainable strategy for the future of our game. It’s important we develop all levels of the game and we grow united. This will help create a long term strategy for the game in Wales that benefits coaches and players.
It is also integral that we constantly evaluate the game in Wales, utilising tools such as the NBN23 digital scoresheet platform over the coming season will be an integral component to help provide valuable player statistics to evaluate and grow our club game. The officiating committee will be announcing further training for this platform which is free to all clubs to access. The more data and insight we have the better our performance programme will be.
Looking forward, our strategy is rooted in creating new pathways and broader opportunities, especially in 5-on-5 performance basketball. But we’re equally excited about embracing the rapid growth of 3×3. With the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow just around the corner, 3×3 represents a dynamic chance for Welsh athletes and coaches to shine on a global stage.
This is just the beginning. I look forward to working with you all as we elevate the game in Wales.
Let’s move forward together.
Yours in basketball,
Ryan Chambers
Head of Performance & Coaching Pathways, Basketball Wales
