INDIANAPOLIS, Monday, January 11, 2010 – iHoops, the official youth basketball initiative of the NCAA and NBA, and the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) have agreed to have the AAU become an official program partner of iHoops and to endorse iHoops educational and overall basketball programming efforts.
As part of the partnership, AAU will play a prominent role in promoting the iHoops coach education program and will encourage its member basketball coaches to participate in the online education program through www.iHoops.com. The partnership also includes cross-promotional opportunities through each organization’s websites and opportunities for exposure at select AAU basketball events.
“We’re pleased that the AAU has chosen to work with us to develop educational and basketball programming for iHoops.com,” iHoops CEO Kevin Weiberg said. “The AAU Board of Directors is very serious about improving the quality of non-scholastic basketball and in showing leadership in making a positive difference for coaches and student-athletes.”
AAU President Bobby Dodd said, “The AAU is pleased to become an official program partner with iHoops. We are in full support of the iHoops initiatives and look forward to initially concentrating on the coaches’ education program. The AAU applauds the efforts of the NCAA, NBA and WNBA in taking steps to enhance and expand the amateur basketball experience. “
Currently at www.iHoops.com, coaches can find a variety of information and best practices for teaching the game, training tips, tools for team communication and other helpful information. Future program offerings will include the opportunity for coaches to take online coaching courses and receive a certificate of completion of the course through iHoops.com.
About iHoops
iHoops is the official joint youth basketball initiative of the NCAA, WNBA and the NBA. Its mission is to establish a structure and develop programs to improve the quality of youth basketball in America in order to enhance the athletic, educational and social experience of the participants. For more information on iHoops programs go to www.iHoops.com.
About AAU
The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) was founded in 1888 and conducts over 38 sports at the grassroots level ranging from ages 3-99. In the youth program, a $12 membership allows participation in over 38 sports. The AAU partnered with the Walt Disney World Company in 1995 and serves as one of the anchor tenants to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Sports For All, Forever. www.aausports.org
