Leaders of Unites #117 - Davyn Le Corre

I have two brothers. One of them has always lived with other parents. I didn’t have much contact with him when I was younger, but in recent years we’ve talked more. I have a good relationship with my other brother. We spend a lot of time together and often chill.

After the summer, I’ll start my final year at vmbo. After that, I want to do the VeVa study. VeVa stands for Safety & Craftsmanship and is a course in collaboration with the military. I want to work on navy ships for the military later. That sounds really cool to me.

My grandpa and his father both worked at sea, and my brother wants to join the royal military police. He’ll apply next year. I want to combine the military and boats. I also want to see a lot of the world. This is a great way to do that.

I’m happy I know what I want to become. A few years ago, I had no clue. I wanted something different every month. My mother understood me. She always said that kids have to choose a direction in school way too early. You’re still so young. How can you already know what you want?

I met a lot of new people at the court in my neighborhood

I already knew at a young age that I liked basketball more than football. But in Wehl, where I grew up, there was no basketball club. When we moved to Arnhem, I immediately signed up for Arnhem Eagles. But I ended up on the waiting list.

That first summer in Arnhem, I just started playing basketball at the local court. At first, I played alone, but soon others joined. Basketball really helped me to meet new people. We clicked quickly because we shared the same passion and hobby.

But the court wasn’t the only place I played. At school, we had after-school activities. One of them was basketball in the sports hall. I chose that and met even more new people there. That’s where I met my best friends. I was at the sports hall every day.

At some point, my teacher came up to me and told me about the 3X3 Leader Course from 3X3 Unites. I was only twelve and actually too young, but he asked if I wanted to join anyway because I was always in the sports hall. Of course, I didn’t have to think long about that.

I called my mother right away to tell her. But she thought it sounded strange when I told her I could follow a free course and even earn money after finishing it. ‘Are you sure?’ she asked. She thought I had misunderstood something.

I learned to step out of my comfort zone and be a role model

But I hadn’t misunderstood, and I really liked it. I got to play basketball at a higher level, met even more new people, and worked on my life skills during the Leader Course. I especially learned how to step out of my comfort zone and how to be a role model.

I used to be shy in a group where I didn’t know anyone. But during the Leader Course, I had to come up with my own game, make up rules, and explain it to the others. At first, I was nervous, but after a while, I felt more and more comfortable. Now, when I organize an event, I don’t find it hard at all.

During the course, I also realized that younger people can look up to you. I want to be a good example for my neighbor’s son, for instance. That means: no swearing on the court and doing well at school. I try to apply everything I learned during the Leader Course.

I was a member of Arnhem Eagles for two years, but I quit this season. There was a lot of confusion in the club about who would play in which team, and I lost my motivation. My mom didn’t want to pay the membership fee if I wasn’t enjoying it. And I could start looking for a part-time job on Saturdays instead.

That’s what I think is so great about 3X3 Unites: everyone gets a chance to grow. Even kids who don’t have a lot of money and can’t just join a club. 3X3 Unites gives you the freedom to develop yourself through 3x3 basketball. That’s really cool.