Basketball Academy
Train like a pro at our men’s basketball academy
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Winners of the AoC Sport ‘Team of the Year’ Award for 2022
ABOUT US
Our 16-19 basketball academy is run in partnership with Let’s Do More (LDM), and gives dedicated basketball players the opportunity to play and train like professionals alongside their studies. You can expect to learn and develop with qualified staff who are dedicated to taking your game to the next level.
THE ACADEMY
We have designed a programme centred around player development; we are focused on ensuring you graduate from our academy with an improved understanding and greater appreciation for the fundamentals needed to become a better basketball player. We have created a culture which demands a strong work ethic on the court and in the classroom and expect student athletes to maintain a good balance between their basketball programme and academic commitments.
You will be supported on your journey with high quality coaching constituted within a structured weekly time timetable. Academy players can expect to receive:
- Up to three on court training sessions per week
- Weekly ‘Skills Lab’ sessions, working on your fundamental basketball skills.
- Wednesday afternoon games competing in the College Basketball League (CBL), Association of Colleges (AoC) League and National Cup competition.
- Weekly strength and conditioning training with highly qualified strength and conditioning coaches
- Monthly sports psychology sessions with a qualified sport psychologist to work on the mental aspects of your game.
- Access to physio and sport massage clinics
- Video analysis including game recordings, stats and video highlights.
- Opportunities to gain industry recognised coaching and officiating qualifications.
- Opportunities for U18 players to compete in Jr National League competition with Leeds LDM
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Our coaches
COACHING AND OFFICIATING PATHWAYS
Not all academy members will look to pursue a professional or collegiate career, some may opt to take an alternative pathway in coaching or officiating. We support enthusiastic players in their development by offering coaching placements in school and club settings and support aspiring officials with mentoring and experience through the LDM Basketball community programme.
Players will have the opportunity to undertake Basketball England recognised qualifications in refereeing, coaching and table officiating, which can be completed alongside their studies, and game and training commitments. We encourage all players to consider supplementing their on-court development with one of the coaching or officiating pathways on offer.
EXIT ROUTES
The academy supports high level players in their progression after their time with us by providing pathways to professional clubs, international college programmes or UK universities.
Alternatively, we provide enthusiastic students with opportunities to develop skills in coaching, refereeing and sport development, ready to seek employment within the basketball industry.
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Testimonials and success stories
As one of the fastest growing programmes in the region, we are committed to supporting you in reaching your basketball aspirations, check out what some of our players have had to say:
“When I first came to the academy I was out of shape, and lacked the court awareness I have now. My whole game has changed, I am a lot more confident.” – Ronal Sainvilus, guard position
“I want to be the best that I can be. I am learning not to doubt myself and take more chances, the coaches have believed in me.” – Darerin Gomes, guard position
“I have been made to feel welcome and have improved as a player and a person. No matter how good you think you are, you can always learn.” Joe Hatfield, forward position
“The Basketball Academy gives students the opportunity to enjoy a structured training regime and weekly fixtures alongside their studies. Some of the players from the team are now volunteering as coaches…” Loran Lewis
