Students explore cross-sport coaching with the LBA | Arsenal in the Community | News

The Cross-Sport Coaching module, part of the Post-16 Sport Coaching Programme at Arsenal in the Community, provides students with the opportunity to develop their coaching skills beyond football.

Over the course of a term, a range of National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and external organisations deliver practical introductory sessions across different sports. These sessions expose students to a variety of coaching styles while encouraging them to apply transferable skills such as communication, organisation, and adaptability.

By stepping outside their comfort zones, students gain a broader understanding of the sports industry and explore alternative pathways, particularly in areas where there is growing demand for coaches, officials, and volunteers beyond the increasingly saturated football landscape.

The module recently launched with an engaging basketball session delivered by the London Basketball Association (LBA) at Sobell Leisure Centre. Following on from last year when we did a similar session with England Netball, this opportunity with the LBA provided students with their first experience of coaching within a new sporting environment.

Holly Walker, Sports Programme Teacher, said:

“The coaching session delivered by the LBA coaches was a fantastic opportunity for our Post-16 students. It challenged them to step outside their usual environment, observe coaching methods in a different sport, and recognise how many core principles are transferable across disciplines. Experiences like this broaden their understanding of coaching and help develop more rounded, adaptable future coaches.”

Megan Grogan, a second-year Arsenal student, said:

“I really enjoyed the basketball session delivered by the LBA coaches. It was a different experience for us, as we usually focus on football, but it was great to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. The session was fun and engaging, and I learned transferable skills that I can use in my own coaching.”

The LBA is a registered charity that uses basketball as a vehicle for positive social impact, particularly in supporting disadvantaged communities across London. Its vision is to create an inclusive basketball environment underpinned by a strong and sustainable infrastructure that supports the sport at every level.

Filip Fiedorowicz, Basketball Programmes & Media Coordinator at the LBA, said:

“This was a valuable opportunity to work in partnership with Arsenal to deliver a cross-sport session centred on youth development. It highlighted the strength of collaboration in creating meaningful learning environments, and how basketball principles can support young people’s confidence and development across different sporting contexts.”

Tony Lazare, CEO of the LBA, added:

“It was an honour to support 38 young people on the Arsenal in the Community programme alongside coaches Frenchy and Rocky. This programme does incredible work in raising aspirations for at-risk youth, and it was fantastic to see equal engagement from both male and female students. They showed great potential, and we look forward to supporting their progression through our ROC coaching and officiating programmes.”