Teesside Lions Basketball Club are hoping to secure a ‘larger than life’ guest coach for their summer camp which starts this Thursday.
Carlos Alemanno, also known as Cacu, is a 6’10 former International player for Argentina and is in the UK visiting friends and family. One of his good friends is Lions owner James Thomson and the pair are hoping to come together for at least one of the camps.
Cacu was on Teesside last week and visited Lions training sessions to meet the children and pass on some advice.
While at the session he also encouraged the group to take part in a global hash tag craze which includes fellow Argentina international and NBA players and Manu Ginobili and Andres Nocioni. Facundo Compazzo, who plays for Real Madrid was playing a warm up game for the Rio Olympics when he was pictured face planted on the floor diving for a ball, with his feet in the air. The funny image has now been copied by hundreds of people around the world. The hashtag #elsello was set up by Ginobili who earns $14 million a year with the San Antonio Spurs, not bad for a 39 year old!
If young sports enthusiasts on Teesside are keen to be the next big NBA star they can join Lions summer camps.
The camps will run on Thursday and Friday 11, 12, 18 & 19th August from 9am – 3pm at Queens Campus, Stockton TS17 6BH and cost just £15 per day.
All abilities and ages are welcome and the sessions will involve skills to improve dribbling, shooting, passing, defence, coordination, agility and most importantly have fun.
Cacu, who used to play for Lions eight years ago, said: “I love seeing the kids play and have fun and obviously I want to help James so I am hoping to make one or two of the camps. The only issue is a logistical one, so all being well, I will be there and am looking forward to it.
“James is doing a great job with the kids, they are looking very skilful and has a lot of kids playing. It was nice to see.”
James added: “Cacu is a great guy and has an infectious personality. This combined with his massive frame makes him an instant hit with kids. More importantly, he is a very good coach. He has a wealth of experience and will be a great addition to the camp.”
For further information or to book your place contact the club on 01642 814221 or email info@teessidelions.com You can also keep up to date via Teesside Lions facebook page.