University News Last updated 07 October 2019
Hundreds of talented basketball players across the West Midlands are set for specialist coaching, training and development after a new Regional Talent Hub scheme was announced by Basketball England.
The organisation has selected Birmingham City University in its game-changing initiative to create a network of Regional Talent Hubs across the country.
The University will provide a Hub for the West Midlands region, building upon its existing links to the sport through Senior Lecturer in Sports Therapy, Peter Thain’s role as a physiotherapist for Basketball England.
The investment will see Hubs play host to Basketball England’s Aspire Programme sessions and provide support to clubs and local league providers, as well as hosting workshops on coaching, officiating and sports science.
Stewart Kellett, CEO at Basketball England, said: “This is a top priority in our strategic plan, ‘Growing Basketball Together’. Today we’re taking a giant step forward linking grassroots basketball to world-class regional environments to nurture talent and become more competitive in international competition over time.
“This is a fundamental building block for our Talent system to support young people as well as clubs and coaches to achieve their dreams through basketball with the creation of Regional Talent Hubs.
“Basketball relies so much on our voluntary clubs and the education sector and today’s announcement is an opportunity for all involved in the game. Attracting support, expertise and resources from our university network and clubs which can nurture talent locally and regionally is something to celebrate.”
Basketball has been included in the Commonwealth Games since 2006, and the new Hub comes as the city prepares to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games, providing a boost for aspiring players across the region.
Director of Sport and Physical Activity at Birmingham City University, Mark Jeffreys, said: “It is great news that we have been awarded the Basketball England Talent Hub for the West Midlands region.
“We are looking forward to working with Basketball England to create a unique environment for basketball in the region.”
The University recently announced that the redeveloped Alexander Stadium will provide a new base for up to a thousand Birmingham City University sports and exercise students following the 2022 Commonwealth Games.