For the last couple of weeks, Helping Hoops has assisted the Shaheens Sporting and Social Club run a women’s-only basketball program for girls from a muslim background. Our own Women’s Development Coach, Renee (bottom left), has run sessions for the group and, safe to say, we have learnt as much as we able to teach.
Shaheens Sporting and Social Club is the brainchild of Kashif Bouns; an Australian Football League official, prominent community leader and diversity advocate. Bouns recognised that multicultural youth in Australia needed greater opportunities to connect with the wider Australian society. Much like Helping Hoops, Shaheens uses sport to bridge social gaps, and it has been a pleasure to share ideas and philosophies as well as open up new opportunities on the basketball court for the group of young ladies.
The eight-week pilot program has been popular with the community, and a resounding success. We are in talks to extend the partnership, and look forward to bringing updates in the near future.
In the meantime, please check out Shaheens online at shaheens.com.au.
