Coventry College Programme Accepted into the Basketball England League
Back in September 2023 Coventry College teamed up with Coventry Tornadoes, the city’s largest basketball club, to deliver a bespoke Basketball programme that provides young athletes with a platform to excel both academically and athletically.
In its inaugural year, the programme, staff and learners have achieved significant success in league games and most recently acceptance into the Basketball England College Basketball League.
Over the year, the team competed in the Association of College’s Sport League, losing only one match. Additionally, playing showcase games, including a notable performance against well-established COB Rockets.
Now, following a rigorous assessment and application process the programme has been accepted into the prestigious Basketball England College Basketball League (CBL) – a competitive national outlet for educational-based basketball programmes.
Acceptance into the league will provide Coventry College with enhanced opportunities to recruit talented athletes and offer excellent training including strength and conditioning, nutrition support and guidance, analysis of performance, competitive games, and progression opportunities for the learners who are part of the Basketball programme.
The CBL is governed by five key delivery standards that ensure high-quality practice and athlete support. These standards will now be embedded into the Basketball programme at Coventry College for the 2024-25 academic year.
- Athlete Recruitment: Ensuring safe, ethical, and responsible recruitment practices that provide athletes with the necessary information and guidance to thrive.
- Educational Partnership: Demonstrating the college’s commitment to elite sport and supporting the programme’s objectives.
- Quality Leadership, Coaching, and Athlete Support: Highlighting the qualifications, experience, and knowledge of the academy staff.
- Facilities and Equipment: Ensuring the quality and standard of the facilities and equipment provided.
- Athlete Welfare Provision: Offering robust academic and athletic support, including policies and processes to support basketball athletes.
The learners’ success was further celebrated when the Basketball team was awarded Sports Team of the Year at the 2024 Coventry College Awards Ceremony on 4 July.
Learners aged between 16-19yrs who enrol on the Basketball Programme at Coventry College are presented with numerous positive progression routes including scholarships, employment, professional playing opportunities and further training.
Recently two learners from the current Basketball programme, Jayden Walker and Damari Kelly, have represented their club teams in the National League U18s competition following their first-year development at the College.
Reflecting on the Programme’s achievements, Pete Glackin, Academies Manager at Coventry College, said,
“We are absolutely delighted with the success of the Basketball programme and our team’s outstanding performance. Being part of the CBL is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our coaches and learners. This programme not only fosters athletic excellence but also supports our learners’ academic and personal growth.”
Paul Adams, the Basketball Education Programme Coach at Coventry College, expressed his enthusiasm about the programme’s acceptance into the CBL.
“Being accepted into the CBL league is a significant milestone for our college and our learners. It will open up more opportunities for competitive play and development, allowing our learners to reach new heights both on and off the court.”
