BARNSLEY College student Saiman Gill has been making his dreams come true by playing for basketball - but he’s ensuring he’s still got time to coach the under-12s.

Saiman says he started playing basketball because of the teamwork aspect of the game, and he currently plays guard for the Barnsley Sports Academy team.

And it’s not just the playing side of the game he enjoys, he also likes to coach the up and coming generation with the Barnsley Advance Basketball Club.

He said: “Over the years, I have developed several key skills and techniques.

“Effective communication is crucial in basketball; it allows me to tell my teammates what to do without causing confusion.

“Leadership qualities have also been essential, helping me guide my team through tough situations.

“Problem-solving skills have been invaluable, enabling me to think of solutions quickly during a game.

“Looking ahead, I would like to continue playing basketball, but I also have aspirations to coach once my playing career is over.

“The course I am currently taking has provided me with a lot of work experience with a diverse range of participants.

“We visit primary schools to teach younger kids, and we have also worked with people with disabilities, which has enhanced our understanding of how to manage different groups.”