Birch will give children the benefits of his expertise in the camp that runs from July 28 to August 1.
The course also marks the 25th anniversary of the first ever basketball course at Wodson Park, before the centre’s official opening.
The camp was the brainchild of Birch.
He has many fond memories of how basketball has grown in Ware over the years :
“We’ve had so many terrific events, over the course of a quarter of a century, including national championship teams, US College teams (including Purdue University, with NBA Number One Draft pick Glenn Robinson), England men and women, a Harlem Globetrotter, national league matches for both men and women, and the ationally-renowned recreational league, also known as the Beer League,” said Birch.
“But more than any of the top level basketball events, Wodson Park is held in high esteem as a centre for developing young talent, and the camp is where it all starts.”
He added: “The emphasis is always on the teaching of fundamental skills and personal development, and the proof of the pudding is in the number of top quality players that have emerged from the camp.”
These include Great Britain’s Dan Clark.
He played at the London Olympics, and his sister, Ella, is a Great Britain regular and a star at the University of Southern California.
Both attended the Wodson camp as eight-year olds as did ex-Richard Hale schoolboy Duncan Ogilvie, and ex-Simon Balle student, Lloyd Gardner,
Another prominent player is Josh Steel from Harlow who is regarded as the best player in the current men’s U-18 age group, and is sought after by several top US colleges
Many of the coaches return yearly, including Head Coach and Ware Rebels star during the 1990s, Steve Darlow.
Wodson Park was created due to the efforts of local people, and two of the original fundraisers, sisters Pauline Birch and Shirley Storey, both former England basketball international players, are once again raising funds, but for a very different reason.
Birch said: “In November, they will be embarking upon the MACHU PICCHU Challenge – walking the Inca Trail in Peru to raise money for the Isabel Hospice Charity.
“Pauline’s husband, Roy, has agreed to donate the proceeds of this year’s basketball camp towards this worthy cause.”
The camp is for players aged 8 to 18, of any standard, experienced, or beginners, and more information can be obtained by logging on to www.networkhoops.co.uk
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