‘Globetrotter Soul’ clinics aim to teach kids fundamentals

Of the opportunities for children to beat the heat this summer, parents may consider one that combines fitness, fun and the Harlem Globetrotters comedy basketball team.

Player Fatima "TNT" Maddox plans to host two area skills clinics this summer for children ages 6 to 14 interested in learning the fundamentals and tricks of Harlem Globetrotters basketball. Maddox refers to the clinics as "Globetrotter Soul" in which participants learn basketball fundamentals in the entertainment style the team plays.

"We call it 'Globetrotter Soul' because we have good basketball players who are also good role models teaching the kids some fundamentals and, of course, some tricks," Maddox said. "You're not going to get Globetrotter Soul anywhere else."

The clinics are slated for 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. Monday to June 29 at two 24 Hour Fitness locations in the valley. One at 2090 Village Center Circle is scheduled for Monday to June 27, and the other is planned for June 28 and 29 at 5651 Centennial Center Blvd. The cost is $59 per child, per clinic, and includes a ticket to see the Globetrotters on tour, autograph and photograph sessions with the instructor after the session and a three-day, 24 Hour Fitness pass for an adult.

Maddox said the clinics are designed for children of all skill levels.

"There is a mix of kids as far as basketball (skills) go," Maddox said. "Fundamentals are important. You can never be too good. We have about 25 to 30 kids per camp, so they get their fair share of one-on-one in terms of working with skills."

Mina Clouten, club manager at the Centennial Center location, said she is looking forward to hosting Maddox and children for these unique clinics.

"We're excited to offer local children of our community the chance to participate in these fun basketball clinics with the famous Harlem Globetrotters," Clouten said. "We believe that it's important to keep our kids active through regular physical activity, play and sports ... (We) hope the participants leave with some cool new basketball moves and a better understanding of the importance of exercise."

The clinics, Maddox said, go beyond teaching fundamentals and staying fit. She said the Globetrotters implement their character-building program, C.H.E.E.R., which stands for cooperation, health, effort, enthusiasm and responsibility. She aims to assist the children in elements beyond basketball.

"Anything we can do, whether it's at a game, a clinic or a school, we want to inspire these kids," Maddox said. "If we can help them make a goal and reach for that goal, we've done our part."

Maddox, who is the sole female on the team and the ninth in the Globetrotters' history, has a unique way of inspiring the children she plans to coach in June.

"Giving back has always been something near and dear to my heart," Maddox said. "Being the only female on the team, I want to show kids that if you believe in yourself like I believe in myself, you can do anything."

For more information on the clinics, call 800-641-4667 or visit harlemglobetrotters.com/clinics.

Contact Paradise/Downtown View reporter Lisa Carter at lcarter@viewnews.com or 383-4686.