From listening to leading: inspiring growth at UFCSA West

A journey alongside local basketball club UFCSA West has reinforced how communities are empowered when culture is honoured and voices are heard.

As a long-established local club, UFCSA West has built a strong, close knit Filipino community and reached out to Sport Waitākere for help in supporting their younger players.

“Although this was the first time working together, their openness to building a relationship reflected a genuine commitment to creating positive opportunities for young people,” says Jemma Palmer, Youth Advisor at Sport Waitākere (now Tuia Waitākere) .

Working in partnership with ABS Basketball, the focus remained firmly on listening to the community and responding to what they said mattered most. The journey alongside the club highlights the importance of taking a culturally informed, insights-driven approach when supporting diverse communities.

“While the value of culturally grounded decision-making has long been recognised, this experience reinforced that lasting change happens when culture is honoured, voices are heard and communities are empowered to guide the process.

“Before anything else, it was about trust,” says Jemma. “We needed to slow down, listen carefully and understand what mattered most to the UFCSA West community. Their culture, values and aspirations had to guide the process, not the other way around.”

Rather than arriving with pre-designed solutions, time was spent learning about the club’s cultural identity, family dynamics and coaching environment.  Leaders within the community played a vital role in shaping the kōrero and ensuring the approach was respectful and authentic.

This collaborative foundation informed the design of a tailored workshop that reflected the real needs of UFCSA West coaches and whānau.  Frameworks such as Balance is Better and Good Sports were adapted so they aligned naturally with Filipino values and lived experiences. The result was a workshop that felt relevant, relatable and grounded in the realities of the community.

A highlight of the day was the involvement of Kane Keil from ABS Basketball, who shared his personal basketball journey. His story resonated strongly, sparking honest conversations about the influence coaches have on young people, both on and off the court.

These reflections led to open discussions about supporting athletes, navigating parental expectations, and creating environments that prioritise enjoyment, confidence and connection. Coaches began reconnecting with their core values and exploring how to communicate these clearly with families, ensuring parents and whānau were part of the journey.

"By aligning our coaching practices, we can provide consistent messaging to players and their families showing them that we are more than just a basketball club," commented Coach Marlon. "Listening to the conversation around expectations really made me reflect on how I deliver those and what impact they are actually having,” added Coach Rey.

"Becoming more aware of the language I choose to use has been one of the biggest take aways, many of our kids we coach already face high expectations at home so I don't want to be a burden on what they enjoy," concluded Coach Jeff.

One powerful outcome of this process was the development of the club’s ‘Superman’ coaching concept – a shared vision focused on raising humble, hardworking and resilient young people through basketball. This concept reflected the strength of a community-led approach and demonstrated how honouring culture and listening to community voice can inspire meaningful, lasting change.

“When culture is honoured and voices are heard, you see real ownership.  That’s when lasting change happens – not just for coaches, but for rangatahi and their whānau too,” reflects Jemma.

The relationship with UFCSA West continues to grow. Being welcomed into the club’s Christmas function highlighted the trust that has been built and reinforces a shared commitment to walking alongside the community with respect and care.

“By continuing to listen and work in partnership with clubs like UFCSA West, supportive environments can be fostered where rangatahi feel connected, confident and inspired to develop a lifelong love of sport,” concludes Jemma.