In the latest episode of XPS Stories, we bring you a powerful story from Iceland, highlighting an organization that Sideline Sports proudly supports: the Athena International Basketball Academy (AIBCA). Now in its second season, AIBCA has surpassed expectations since its inception, contributing to its continued success.

Athena Basketball, a girls’ basketball club in Iceland, was founded in 2019 by a group of determined girls who protested when they were unfairly removed from a tournament after successfully competing against boys’ teams. After their protest, their team was dissolved, and they founded Athena. Their inspiring journey is documented in the award-winning film Raise The Bar, which has captivated audiences worldwide.

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Despite starting with limited resources and facilities and a modest beginning during its first three years, Athena Basketball has rapidly grown into one of Europe’s premier development environments, largely thanks to the support of the XPS network.

Today, the club boasts over 100 girls playing youth basketball and has established a women’s team that won the right to be promoted last season and advanced to Iceland’s Superdivision, ranking among the top teams in the country.

Interested in joining AIBCA?

AIBCA will share its innovative use of software and ideas this season with our clients, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in women’s basketball player development.

Basketball coaches who want to know about this project can visit the Athena website or contact via e-mail athena@athenabasketball.com.

The academy is dedicated to nurturing coaches at all levels, from grassroots to professional, through a comprehensive and holistic approach to coaching. Emphasizing sport-specific skills and physical development, the program also addresses the critical mental and social aspects of coaching. A key component is the integration of the “Key Habits Leadership” program, which empowers coaches with essential leadership skills.

Coaching organization and development are also prioritized, ensuring that coaches are well-equipped to manage and elevate their teams effectively. To support this, the academy utilizes the cutting-edge XPS Network coaching software, enabling coaches to optimize their training strategies and player development processes.