RealGM

Hey guys,

I know alot of you share the frustration I do with this organization, and today really took the biscuit. Just to explain I have been contacting camps and NBA teams asking for the chance to work as a camp counselor/coach. Going to the USA is very popular for students in the UK, and rather then doing a multi sports camp I wanted to work at a basketball camp so I can also work on my game. Anyway the sixers run a camp, the mavs and a few other NBA teams, they house coaches in cabins and provide food and pay about $200 a week (not great but something). Of course I contacted my favourite team the magic and to be fair they replied promptly. They told me I can apply for the job but they will not provide any housing food or transport.

This is so frustrating to me. The sixers and others camps can and will provide these facilities as they see the market for guys like myself and other Europeans. we are Cheap, hard working, and its also exposure to Europeans. The game is VERY popular in Europe and the chance to work and be around it in the US is very appealing for any baller here. Florida and in particular Orlando SHOULD push for a set up like this. The tourist market you guys have got from UK tourists alone is massive and any opportunity to expand interest in the magic should be taken. I just feel taking European coaches is only going to create more fans here, it will spread the word and eventually get kids from here going to magic camps. But as per usual with the magic it is seems we are doing camps half assed. The guy who contacted me was very polite but I still can

Hi Axl.

I understand that you're upset, but let's face it: the Magic aren't doing anything wrong here. They run the majority of their camps at RDV Sportsplex, the team's training facility. It's not like there's cabins to rent out for counselors. Hotel rates would be insanely high for their camp workers in addition to having to pay them.

I don't think the marketing team sits at a table and says, "We need to house camp counselors from around the world to spread our name." It's not exactly a worthwhile spending expenditure.

That's great that the Sixers and a few other teams put coaches in a cabin. But I don't think it's because they know they're bringing in people from outside their respective cities as much as it's the fact that they're actually at a camp or place that has affordable housing for all involved.

I think you're being rough on your favorite team and to be honest, I think the point is moot. I don't see it as a great way to market and spread the name to Europe, because of it being such a long shot. I think there's a lot of international fans of the Magic anyway because like you said, tourists come here and go to a Magic game, becoming a fan thereafter.