New Prep program launching in London, Ontario – Southwest Furfaro Academy
London, Ontario will be host to a new prep program opening its doors this September, catering specifically to elite Canadian basketball prospects.
Southwest Furfaro Academy, which will be run in partnership with Regina Mundi Catholic Secondary, will be holding an Open ID Camp on June 4th in the Main Gym of Regina Mundi.
The Camp will be a combination of an on-court tryout, as well as an information session for potential players and parents that are interested. The session is open to all high school boys interested in being involved with SWF Academy.
This session is an opportunity for the SWF Academy coaching staff to evaluate athletes who demonstrate the potential to participate in their program. The identification session is a component of Canada Basketball’s Long Term Athlete Development Model.
Kevin Barnes, a longtime coach with the Western Mustangs and the London Ramblers, will be taking charge of the Boy’s team, and is excited for the future of the program.
“It’s obviously important for us to get started now and build a foundation so we can be in full swing by the time our new facility is in play,” said Barnes.
The facility referred to will be the new Regina Mundi school, which is slated to be ready for 2018.
Prepatory programs have been commonplace in American high school sports for a long time, but are relatively new to the Canadian basketball scene. The prep schools provide a higher focus on basketball, creating a dynamic schedule and focus for the team.
“Academically, they are going to be provided with a team specific guidance counsellor and a preferential schedule,” said Barnes.
“The most important part for us is that we’re supporting the guys academically, and setting them up for a wide range of future opportunities.”
The program’s time table will operate basketball activities throughout the day as part of their daily academic schedule.
The schedule throughout the day is catered around the student-athlete’s academic requirements, multiple basketball activities, whether it be film, individual workouts, strength and conditioning sessions, and team practice throughout the day.
SWF has already begun recruiting the top talent in Southwest Ontario, but Barnes notes the program is looking to be elite and therefore will take the players that best fit their mould, regardless of where they come from. A key focus for the SWF Academy though will be creating an opportunity outside of the Greater Toronto Area for players to compete and develop.
Very Excited to announce commitments from Vince Carriere Owen Henderson and Steve Gilvesy SWF 2016 #Run4Southwest pic.twitter.com/cSHj98RjiP
— Southwest Academy Girls Prep (@swacademywbb) May 5, 2016
“I think it’s important that we represent the Southwestern Ontario region, and create an alternative to what is a very good scene in Toronto, but certainly not the only place where basketball can thrive and opportunities can be created.”
Players interested in booking their spots at the Open ID Camp must contact Coach Barnes through email at coachbarnes@swfacademy.com to confirm their participation.
The camp will take place in Regina Mundi’s main gym, located at 5200 Wellington Rd S, London, ON N6E 3X8. Start time will be 11am for a three-hour on-court session, followed by an academic presentation at 2:30 with their Principal Michele Kennedy, Director Rob Angione, and team specific guidance councillor Sandra Chevelier-Fell.
