Idaho Basketball Coaching Podcast · Idaho Basketball Coaching Podcast

Coaching in Ireland w/ John Adams

October 4, 2024·21 min·1 clip

How did a Harry Potter Quidditch team inspire the name of an Irish basketball club?

This episode features host Will Love interviewing John Adams, chairperson of the Kenmare Kestrels basketball club in County Kerry, Ireland. Adams, originally from Kennebunk, Maine, helped found the volunteer-run club in 2006 after moving to Ireland. The conversation explores the club's community-focused origins and its growth within a region dominated by Gaelic football. The Kenmare Kestrels started when 45 community members responded to a meeting for young people wanting to play basketball. The club's name and colors were chosen by the kids, inspired by the Quidditch team from Harry Potter's "Goblet of Fire." The program now involves about 340 children and maintains a philosophy of inclusivity, refusing to cut players and awarding participation trophies to younger age groups. Adams notes the club operates at a division two or three level, with a "golden era" occurring when his daughter Laurie's school team won three All-Ireland medals under coach Monza Salvador. He cites the growing influence of the NBA and local Super League teams in Killarney, Castle Island, and Tralee. A key challenge is coaching development, as many parent volunteers lack a basketball background. Adams details initiatives like clinics led by Irish national coach James Weldon and a planned session with Dr. Tim Rice. The club recently organized a shoe exchange to save families money and held a memorial tournament that brought the entire town together. Adams reflects that his coaching style has evolved to involve less yelling, influenced by observing Monza Salvador's calm, empowering approach. He emphasizes letting players make decisions on the court and focusing on a high-tempo game fueled by defensive pressure. He has become a qualified referee, which changed his perspective on officiating and now advises players to avoid criticizing referees. The club's success is measured by participation and community relationships, not trophies, a point Adams illustrated by not remembering past league wins when reviewing anniversary photos. He observes a shift in local attitudes, with Gaelic football coaches now seeing basketball as complementary for developing athletic skills. The club is enhancing game-day experiences with a donated speaker system for player introductions, aiming to rebuild community attendance after the pandemic. The tone is conversational and reflective, blending personal anecdote with practical advice for community sports organizers. Adams speaks with clear passion and humility about his volunteer role, often crediting the efforts of others in the club. This episode would appeal to coaches interested in grassroots program building, community engagement, and youth sports philosophy. Listeners seeking high-level tactical analysis or professional coaching insights might find it less directly applicable.

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