SPS Youth Basketball Camp develops skills on-and-off the court
SURREY Police Service’s Constable Taylor Browne is bringing his passion for his community to the courts, as he strives to mentor the next generation of Surrey youth through SPS’ second annual Youth Basketball Camp.
As a former professional basketball player and someone who was raised in Surrey, Browne wants to teach lifelong skills like teamwork and leadership to youth in his hometown.
Browne plans to achieve this through SPS’ Youth Basketball Camp, a one-day free camp preparing children for future success both on and off the court. Providing a safe, positive and inclusive environment, the sold-out basketball camp had 40 children between Grades 5-8 in attendance at Holy Cross Regional High School on July 31.
“Coming from a coaching and player background, I want to engage children to be the best version of themselves and to learn how to work as a team – an invaluable skill set that can be applied in life, whether it be in the classroom or in the workplace,” says Browne.
“Surrey has been so good to me; the city and community has shaped me to be who I am today and that’s why I wanted to serve and protect in my hometown. I am excited to pass along my knowledge, passion and skill set to the next generation of Surrey youth through SPS’ Youth Basketball Camp.”
Organized by Browne and SPS’ Youth Services Unit, the camp focused on teaching children a new set of skills, including dribbling, shooting, passing and ball control. There was also an emphasis on working together as a team, taking on a leadership role and learning how to be a positive role model within the community.
Browne attended the University of British Columbia, then he was drafted to play for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), the first professional basketball league in Asia and the second oldest league in the world after the National Basketball Association (NBA). Additionally, Browne was a Head Coach with DRIVE Basketball and Split Second Basketball, where he managed multiple teams and mentored youth through tournaments, programs and coaching.
(Surrey Police Service)
