How to Join a Basketball Training Academy? Discover Kevin Chapel's advice.
Recently, Sportiw hosted a live session on the topic of basketball training academies. Kevin Chapel, head of the Aix Maurienne Savoie Basket training center, was our guest. It was a fascinating discussion where he shared insights on the different steps to join a training center in France, how tryouts are conducted, and much more…
What is the goal of the Aix Maurienne Savoie Basket training center?
Our main objective as a training center is to develop basketball players and help them reach the highest level possible. We also aim to integrate them into our professional team in the future, which strengthens our commitment to developing them not only as athletes but also as individuals who can grow academically and personally. We welcome young players from the age of 15, and our goal is to help them become well-rounded individuals, capable of handling life both on and off the court.
What are its strengths?
Compared to other training centers, we have several key advantages. While we may not be the largest center in France, we are fortunate to have a newly built residence owned by the club. This allows us to provide on-site housing, with the high school and gym located within a 150-meter radius, creating a real sense of unity. Additionally, our professional staff is closely involved with the training center, often inviting talented young players to train with the pros. This year, we are proud to have three of our players training daily with the professional team. In total, six of our players have had the opportunity to train with them, and three have even signed apprentice or trainee contracts, allowing them to be included in match rosters and gain valuable game time.
At what age can you join a training center?
Officially, players can join a training center after middle school in France, usually at the age of 15 when they are in the U15 category. Players can remain in a training academy until the age of 21.
What are the key steps to joining a training center?
There are several ways for young players to get noticed and join a training academy. Those involved in federal selections or regional and departmental programs have a higher chance of being seen by scouts during tournaments. Additionally, training centers organize tryout days where young players can showcase their talent and potential. If a player impresses recruiters, they may be invited to join the training center and begin their journey to the top level. However, every path is different, and there is no single route to entering a training academy.
What do you look for in a young player during tryouts?
There are several key factors to consider when joining a basketball training center. Talent is of course important, but having a positive and hardworking attitude is just as crucial. Players should be able to quickly understand instructions, stay focused on the court, and demonstrate strong work ethic and adaptability.
How can you mentally prepare for a tryout?
If I had one piece of advice for any player, it would be to stay true to yourself. Focus on your strengths and play your usual game. Trying to force things or play in an unnatural way can lead to mistakes and inefficiency on the court. Additionally, it’s essential to maintain a positive mindset and focus on progress rather than just getting selected. Training centers exist to help players develop their skills, but the motivation to improve must come from within. Ultimately, tryouts are not an end goal but just one step in a player’s development journey. By keeping this in mind and focusing on skill improvement, players can maximize their chances of success.
"Training centers look for players who are passionate about basketball and eager to develop, rather than those who only seek to shine in the first session."
How can you balance studies and basketball?
The dual career path is very important for young basketball players. It’s essential not to sacrifice academic education for sports training. Developing transferable skills will be beneficial throughout life, both professionally and personally. Finding the right balance is key academic performance should not be neglected, but neither should athletic growth. Achieving this balance is crucial in shaping well-rounded and successful players.
What does a typical day look like at the training center?
Structuring a routine for U18 players is essential to help them maintain balance between sports and academics. Our approach involves organizing training sessions during lunch breaks to optimize time. Three days a week, players attend classes in the morning, train during lunch, return to class, and finish the day with a training session followed by a study hour. Strength and conditioning work is also integrated into their schedule.
How much does it cost to join a training center?
The cost varies by center, so there is no fixed price. Expenses depend on factors such as the player’s location and family situation. Costs may include accommodation, schooling, equipment, and other fees. In some cases, clubs may cover part of the expenses for promising players.
For example, for a player who does not live in our training house and needs to stay in a boarding school, costs including club contributions would be around €4,000 to €5,000 per year, covering accommodation, schooling, and other expenses.
How can a foreign player join a French training center?
It can be challenging for a foreign player to get noticed by recruiters at Aix Maurienne’s basketball training center due to the logistical costs of organizing in-person tryouts. However, if a player shows great potential, exceptional measures may be taken to evaluate them. Otherwise, the center heavily relies on video footage and remote interviews to assess international prospects.
We look for full game videos, not just highlights, to get a complete view of the player’s behavior, how they interact with teammates, react on the bench, and handle referees. During training, we also assess key qualities such as attentiveness, respect, and motivation to determine if the player would be a good fit for the team.
To learn more about training centers, watch our live session on our YouTube channel or listen to it on Spotify!