Kids get shot at breaking barriers

THE Reclink Community Hustle is opening up laneways for aspiring basketballers previously denied opportunities.

“I’ve never played formalised basketball before,” said Chyla Pfeiffer, the Glenora High School point guard with a hunger to drive into the lane, create contact and put the ball in the hole.

This is what the Reclink Community Hustle – in conjunction with Basketball Tasmania – sets out to achieve.

It is a 3x3 basketball tournament for schools in the northern suburbs that face barriers to sport.

For Chyla ( pictured) and Glenora High School, it is overcoming the geographical challenge of being a regional hub.

And while there are sporting clubs based in New Norfolk, they often lack the funds to run coaching clinics with an eye towards the talent i d e n t i f i c a t i o n that ensures naturally talented kids like Chyla are not restricted to social games.

This tournament aims to identify talent and provide a vehicle to the strong environments of sporting clubs.

The pathway to strong social standards, mentors and the depth of industry involvement that a group of adults- leaders offers can be life changing when it comes to disengaged and regional students.

“I have always loved sport. I surprised myself today,” Chyla said.

“I’ve only played against the boys in the schoolyard so it was cool to have the ball in my hands. If the chance came to pursue basketball at club level, I would definitely want to be involved”

Chyla Pfeiffer is the Reclink Community Hustle’s first Player of the Week.