Reading Rockets will be benefitting from a 3 month consultation with Jaume Ponsarnau.

Reading Rockets is seeking to become a reference place for basketball in the UK and are thrilled that Jaume Ponsarnau has decided to collaborate in its growth and that of the sport in and beyond Reading. It is hoped that Ponsarnau will have opportunities to work with the National Governing body as well as in the southern region.

In 2013/ 14 the Berkshire club signed the Spanish coach Manuel Peña, who works actively with the Spanish Federation, having introduced key, experienced and important Spanish coaches like Luis Guil, Gustavo Aranzana, Jota Cuspinera, Carlos Colinas and Miguel Martin to Basketball England.

In the relentless race for the continuous improvement sought by Rockets and the young Spanish coach, in the coming months they will collectively enjoy many benefits. It is hoped that Ponsarnau will work in the educational field, probably in one of Rockets acclaimed academies together with the English and Spanish coaches to develop the curriculum.

Jaume Ponsarnau has been working in the elite sports since 2006 when as Head Coach his team in LEB Gold won the league and ensured promotion to the ACB, the premier league in Spain.  He has gained 8 years’ experience as a Head Coach in the ACB, whilst also having responsibility for the Spanish U20 men’s team where he led them in the summer 2014 to European silver.  Ponsarnau has also twice served as the Senior Assistant Coach contesting the 2013 European championship where he earned a bronze medal before Spain reigned supreme in 2015 where they were champions of Europe.

Rockets Chairman Gary Johnson said “It’s absolutely amazing that Jaume is available to help us grow and improve:  he will be such an asset. He is joined by his wife and family as all seek a personal experience of life in England.  They will all be using this time to improve their English. It is such a thrill that Jaume has decided to be close to a club like ours,” stated Pena who is very excited about the coming few months. ” I’m personally very grateful and happy to submit myself to his critical eye.  I want to be the best coach I can be and he is going to help me. Having a mentor as Jaume is incredible. In the club we also hope he guides and mentors us to continue to develop what has been established already but that which will benefit from such commitment and dedication by an experienced coach with a serving heart. Rockets has aspirations to not only be in but be a force in the top league in Britain, the BBL so we all look forward for the influence to permeate through the whole club, Rockets Chairman added.

“It will be a great opportunity for all our coaches, young and old, who will learn and gain valuable experience in just having someone of Jaume’s calibre amongst us, said Rockets Director of Coaching Matt Johnson.  Rockets are already holding regular clinics for their coaches several times a year and with Jaume involved, the future planned events will be of an even higher calibre.” Johnson went to say that following his first meeting with Ponsarnau, he found him to be a very humble man and it is a privilege that someone like him is willing to serve and help us, working specifically with each and all the academy and elite programme  players. We are very excited about the project. This will be a challenge as well as a blessing to Reading Rockets as we seek to maximise this limited time having someone observing our programme and its delivery.

Club Chairman, Gary Johnson said on this experience, “We never thought that our project would attract someone with such talent and experience, someone who is a major contributor to the game and who has won major European honours. We hope there will be many spin-offs from this investment of time and resource by Jaume and us as a Club as we seek more partners in sponsorship and with our Corporate Social Responsibility opportunities for local businesses to help change young folks lives. Jaume will hopefully be a catalyst in promoting the game and Rockets influence in the community for years to come. Rockets brand is growing expeditiously so now is the time for businesses in and around the town to join us as we seek to fulfil our potential and serve the community’.

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