The American Basketball Coach in Sweden

2010-06-21T03:53:00.000-07:00

2010 "American Basketball Coach in Sweden" - Year 6

2009-07-19T05:55:00.001-07:00

2009 - Year 5 Video!

2009-05-05T23:03:00.000-07:00

5th Year - The "American Basketball Coach in Sweden" Program

We had a great 4th year in 2008 including expanding the program to Norway with an American Coach, obtaining strong contacts from the former USA Ambassador to Sweden and impacting youth in Stockholm utilizing basketball as a tool. In addition, we had a wonderful night with youth at a popular sports restaurant.

This year we are impacting more youth than ever! We have partnered with a fine organization (Lidingö Basket) and the main basketball clinic for 50 youth (boys and girls ages 14-17) will be held at Hersbyhallen, the week of May 11. The coach, Steve Freeland, from Harrisburg, PA is back for the fourth time. He has trained youth in basketball for over 35 years! This organization was truly open to our ideas and we envision a great collaboration throughout 2009 and beyond. They have some talented players and we want to help elevate them in basketball as well as life.

In addition, Steve will work with a group of youth in the south of Stockholm affiliated with Fryshuset (teaches 3000 youth about basketball and life) during the week. Fryshuset has been very good to the program with many of our previous years taking place on their court. We also plan to have another youth sports night with athletes who we have previously worked with. As always, we will have positive role models (from business and sports) at these events in order to help inspire or support the youth. May 11 is the beginning yet we will work throughout 2009 to guide and help youth!

If you haven't already, please take a look at the video from 2006. It is less than 4 minutes and will give you a good idea of what my program volunteers and I try to accomplish every year.

The link is below:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dSUtupdWkQ)

If you or anyone you know would like to support the 5th year of my program, I would be incredibly grateful. The program has expanded wonderfully but it couldn't have happened without the kind donations from Americans and Swedes. All donations go to the travel expenses for Coach Freeland and implementation of the program. To make a donation, please email George.uvm@gmail.com.

Thanks.

George

2008-09-23T12:46:00.000-07:00

The "American Basketball Coach in Sweden" video

2008-06-13T03:56:00.000-07:00

Friends/Supporters:

One of the highlights of 2007 was my 3rd annual "American Basketball Coach in Sweden" program. I love helping youth stay on the right path along with improving their basketball knowledge. In May 2007, Steve Freeland, my program volunteers and I worked with 12-15 youth for one week in Stockholm. A few of them had been with us in previous years and we were thrilled by their progress.

While Steve was coaching, he was also evaluating as his dream is to bring a Swedish team to our hometown of Harrisburg, PA. In addition, we talked with the youth about what they want out of life. Many want to go to the USA as a way to make strong connections and play a higher level of basketball. Steve and I hope to bring some of them to the States in the years to come.

I want to thank my supporters immensely for their donations in 2007. Your generosity makes it possible for so many less fortunate youth to be inspired, taught and touched!

The email below from one of the participants from 2006 makes me feel good about the impact of the program and what it has accomplished.

Hello George,

It was really nice seeing you, Steve, and Kolya last night. I hope that the camp is going well for you. I think you guys are doing an incredible job giving back to the community, and allowing us to pursue our dreams and have a better future. I speak for all the guys when I say that your knowledge, understanding and counsel are very valuable to us all. We thank you all for your kindness, generosity and help. It is always a pleasure speaking with you guys, not just about basketball, but about life. I just hope that we can one day repay you all for all your efforts and support. I look forward to seeing and speaking with guys soon. Once again thank you very very much. Give my thanks to Steve and Kolya also.

Sincerely, Jean

In 2008, the program plans to work with an American Basketball Coach that lives in Sweden. I am excited to work with his youth! Details will be coming soon.

My mother in law, Lena Lenner and my high school basketball coach, Paul Lavelle both died in 2007. I dedicated the 3rd year to them.

In their honor, the program has donated:

1) 650 sek (100.00$) to http://www.cancerfonden.se/ in the name of Lena Lenner
2) 100.00$ to Paul Lavelle's church, St. Margaret Mary's. His wife Pat said that is what he would have wanted.

Thanks again and have a wonderful 2008!

Sincerely,

George

2007-06-27T14:17:00.000-07:00

Details on our 3rd year this past May coming soon.

Remember, if you want to improve, you must PUT IN THE TIME

2007-04-15T22:20:00.000-07:00

Now in its third year, The American Basketball Coach in Sweden Program welcomes Coach Steve Freeland back to Stockholm for a master class workshop and clinic on May 12-22. This year’s theme is Put in the Time – increasing knowledge and skills to become better players and coaches. Through hands-on pedagogic instruction, the program will offer insight on how to play, study, and practice basketball for better results. Through corporate sponsorship and fundraising, the entire program is free of charge to players and coaches – anyone willing to put in the time to improve their game.

Coach Steve Freeland
After thirty-five years, Steve Freeland is still putting in his time as a basketball coach in Pennsylvania, USA. He has led numerous teams to victory – on and off the court – with his dedicated and disciplined approach to basketball.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS, MAY 12-22
 Instruct players and coaches at various organizations throughout Stockholm about what it means to put in the time. Led by Coach Steve Freeland, George Payne (founder), program volunteers, and business people – providing basketball clinics, seminars, and discussions with youth about life after sports.

 Connect youth with current and retired basketball players along with a fitness coach. Network with business executives. Individual mentors arranged by request.

 Encourage youth throughout the ten days about the importance of volunteering or giving back in their respective community.

 Donate a portion of the money to The Tiger Woods foundation, http://www.tigerwoodsfoundation.org which initiates and supports programs that enhance the learning, growth, and development of youth. This will be made possible via America’s Charities.

The American Basketball Coach in Sweden Program is designed to encourage mentorship through its annual master class workshop & clinic. The program is supported entirely by sponsorship, a social responsibility effort yielding enormous returns for our youth. Founded and directed by former University of Vermont basketball player, George Payne, the program fosters coaches and players with clinics, seminars, and a chance to talk one-on-one about life after sports.

(www.Gswede.blogspot.com)

CONTACT
For inquiries on sponsorship donations, registration, and volunteer work, please contact George Payne in Stockholm, Sweden at Gswede@gmail.com or call him at +46 (0)76 221 8669

2006-06-18T10:34:00.000-07:00

Coach Steve Freeland demonstrating a shooting technique

Gswede Monday

"Thank you"

I would like to thank all my supporters for your warm and sincere contributions. Your generous donations made "The American Basketball coach in Sweden" program a huge success!

Everyone who supported my program played a big part in helping our youth, in this case, the youth of Fryshuset. In addition to the financial support, I had volunteers, photographers, advisors and many others who played an invaluable role in making this program a reality. For all your efforts, I am extremely grateful.

The chemistry between coach Steve Freeland and the youth team was a beautiful sight to behold. The coaches clinic at Södertälje was inspiring to Steve. He loves to work with youth but he also enjoys teaching coaches his unique style.

Below you will find more photos from Fryshuet.

Thank You.

George

Coach Steve Freeland with the youth team at Fryshuset

Head Coach of 08 Stockholm Professional team Jonte Karlsson talking with Steve

(all photos by Tony Friede)

George on the court - Still has a few moves!

Action shots of the youth team at Fryshuset below

2006-05-28T13:26:00.000-07:00

Coach Steve Freeland with the youth at Fryshuset
(scroll down for Gswede Monday)

(all photos by Tony Friede)

Gswede Monday

"It is all about the youth”

One of my favorite poems by John Keats begins:

A thing of beauty is a joy forever:
Its loveliness increases;
It will never pass into nothingness.

Witnessing Coach Steve Freeland with the youth of Fryshuset from May 15-19 was very powerful and emotional. It was indeed A thing of beauty. I am convinced now more than ever that impacting, mentoring and caring about our youth is one of the most important contributions I will ever make.

The 2nd annual “American Basketball coach in Sweden” program began on the center court of Fryshuset with Steve and 17 young men ranging in age from 15-20. My good friend Kevin Ryan, General Manager of 08 Stockholm Human Rights (http://www.08basket.se/) and Jonte Karlsson, Head Coach of the Professional team, generously provided the platform for us to work with these aspiring players. This youth team is an important part of the organization. I sincerely appreciate the efforts of Fryshuset (www.fryshuset.se) in hosting my program and will make a donation to the organization. They will use the funds for initiatives that utilize sport as a tool for social positive change.

During the first hour, Steve was able to assess the team and he liked what he saw! He was impressed with the talent of the team which consisted of a diverse group of both native and immigrant youth. He knew almost instantly that he would really enjoy teaching and working with them. The team embraced Steve and the passion on both sides was infectious.

For two hours every day, Steve taught them a variety of elements from his unique and successful playbook on basketball. Throughout the week, he assessed their strengths and weakness with shooting, dribbling, passing, rebounding and made sure that they utilized that talent during the week by scrimmaging (5 against 5) on the full court.

By the 2nd and 3rd day, he was truly pleased with the progress of the team and how quickly they had absorbed his teaching. Many times they were running new offenses and defenses exactly the way he had taught them which often prompted him to tell me, “This is A Thing of Beauty”. His smile let me know how special he viewed these young men.

Before each session, he talked to the team about what was going to be covered that day. Similarly, after each practice he would let them know his thoughts on the progress and what to expect the next day. He had a game plan for the week and was totally prepared. On the final day, he talked them through the importance of team, being unselfish, life in USA basketball, getting a good education, and other keys points about life and how to be successful.

Steve’s zeal and enthusiasm for these kids was intoxicating! He always arrived at least an hour early every day to enjoy private moments with the kids and exchange experiences with the coaches.

Some poignant moments occurred off the court. One of the young men wanted to talk with Steve about playing high school basketball in the USA, so he spent 30 minutes telling him what to expect and answered his questions. Another time, I was talking with three players about their school work when I asked one of them what he thought of Steve. He said, “We love Steve”.

The purpose of my program is to touch the lives of youth here in Sweden by utilizing basketball as a tool. I hope that some of them can reach high levels in basketball but more importantly, I want them to soar to a high level as gentlemen and contribute positively to society.

One of my mentors and a big supporter of the program watched the team practice with Steve one day. He was nearly in tears seeing the love and care that was evident on the court. He looked at me and said, “It is all about the youth”. I looked back and said, “Yes, it is all about the youth”.

George

2006-05-21T11:22:00.000-07:00

The American Coach in Sweden, Steve Freeland
(Tony Friede - photographer)

* Scroll down for Gswede Monday

The coaches of Södertälje at Steve's basketball clinic

Gswede Monday - "Did you see the way I changed defenses"?

The 2nd annual "American Basketball Coach in Sweden" program began on May 10 with a welcome gathering for Coach Steve Freeland in Stockholm. It was a lovely Spring Day (finally!) and many of my friends and supporters came out to great him in the early evening. Steve was at ease right away!

Steve's impact would be felt the very next day as we journeyed to Södertälje (http://www.sbbk.se). They run a terrific youth basketball program and their elite team, Södertälje Kings, is one of the 11 professional teams in Sweden. My friend and assistant coach of the pro team, JD Sanders (solo photo above) generously gave Steve the opportunity to run a 2 hour coach's clinic.

I introduced Steve to the 20-25 coaches in attendance and he showed them a variety of the unique and creative basketball strategies that have made him a success. He covered man to man, zone, situation plays, unique offensive and defensive strategies and many other important elements of the game. The coaches listened attentively and many were writing in their notebooks.

The youth team of 13 year old boys that Steve demonstrated with learned zone defense and how to attack a zone, something they had never played before. The kids quickly absorbed what Steve was teaching them despite it all being new!

At the end of the session, the coaches asked questions and Steve warmly answered them all. He also spent private time with a few coaches. If not for a prior commitment that night, Steve would have easily been there for several more hours. I literally had to pull him away!

The weekend of May 13, I took Steve to see a couple of boys and girls youth championship basketball games in Lidingö, outside of Stockholm. We had a nice surprise when we saw a coach from Steve's clinic coaching one of the girl's teams. At halftime, he came up to Steve and said, "Did you see the way I changed defenses"? At that point, I knew the clinic was a success. Steve smiled and gave the coach some positive feedback. He was happy that one of his many themes "Never be afraid to change" was utilized in the game.

Change along with being totally prepared is one of the reasons that Steve has been successful as a basketball coach. Even when things are going well in a game, he might suddenly press a an opposing team or use a different offense which often adds an element of surprise or makes opposing coaches think. When his team is not doing well, he always changes so that his team has a chance to gain the momentum back.

Coach Steve Freeland thrives on facing difficult strategies by opposing coaches and is always ready for whatever situation he might face in a game. If one of his plays is not working, he will change to something that is better. One of the best lessons taught in the clinic was to always embrace change especially when things on the basketball court are not working.

When I was 11 years old, Steve was my coach. In some of the games our guards had trouble dribbling the ball up court. What did Steve do? He changed. I often would bring the ball up court at those times because I could dribble very well. He wasn't afraid to make that change despite me being the center and tallest boy on the team. His lesson of change made me a better basketball player and helped prepare me for the many changes that we all inevitably deal with in life.

It was a successful first 5 days! More photos are below.

The week of the 15-19 would prove to be as one of my favorite poets, John Keats says, "A Thing of Beauty". The impact of Steve with the team of youth at Fryshuset nearly brought one of my supporters to tears. That story will have to wait until next weeks Gswede Monday.

George

2006-05-07T11:42:00.000-07:00

Välkommen (Welcome) to the first of many Gswede Monday's!

Gswede Monday

Steve Freeland has impacted many lives during his 35 years of teaching and coaching basketball to youth. I was one of the first.

Steve was my first coach and taught me the game of basketball. I can vividly remember the awkward way I use to hold and shoot a basketball. It was not a pretty sight to watch! Steve corrected that shot immediately and taught me the proper way to hold and release a basketball. That shot would take me a long ................way in life.

I was taught how to play the game properly and his consistent enthusiasm always inspired me. I was fortunate to have two wonderful parents and a superb mentor in Coach Freeland.

The 2nd annual "American Basketball Coach in Sweden" program (see below) is a vehicle for Steve and I to impact youth in Sweden to care for and learn about the game we love so dearly. We are grateful for the opportunity and it is only possible because of the kind donations of so many Americans and Swedes. That generosity warms our hearts.

Basketball has defined many aspects in my life and the lessons learned have been invaluable.

We hope that one day many youth in Sweden and around the world will soar to those same heights utilizing basketball as their tool.

George

2006-02-27T03:16:00.000-08:00

"Our Youth Need To See All The Possibilities"

(scroll down for American Basketball Coach in Sweden program)

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The 2nd annual

"American Basketball Coach in Sweden"

May 10 -20, 2006
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The Goal:
TEACH Swedish youth about basketball in a way that inspires them to improve their knowledge/skills and learn about teamwork. The American philosophy, style and influence is sorely needed to raise the level of youth basketball and basketball overall in Sweden.

The Coach:
Steve Freeland has a great basketball mind and is a wonderful teacher of the game. He is from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He has been a coach (ages 10 - 20) for almost 35 years and is passionate about the game.

The Plan:
To teach basketball in Stockholm to 20 Swedish youth (ages 14-18) for 5 days, May 15-19. In addition, Steve will provide free clinics after training for any coaches that are interested in improving their basketball knowledge.

Like last year, we will have the program at Fryshuset (www.fryshuset.se). A percentage of the money raised for the program will go to this important organization. Fryshuset will use the funds for initiatives that utilize sport as a tool for positive social change. If you are interested in making a donation, please email at George.uvm@gmail.com.

In addition, on May 12 Steve will hold a one day clinic for youth and coaches at an established youth and professional basketball program in a city outside of Stockholm.

Email: George.uvm@gmail.com