Leeds Carnegie Set to Join BBL - Hoopsfix.com

Leeds Carnegie Set to Join BBL

Leeds Carnegie are set to join the British Basketball League next season after an agreement has been reached between the club and league, it was announced today.

The club, who are strongly linked to the Leeds Metropolitan University, have enjoyed a meteoric rise since their formation in 2006 which has seen them jump three divisions to their current home in England Basketball (EBL) Division One.

Carnegie will join Bristol Flyers and East Scotland Warriors as new clubs in the league in the 2014-15 season, subject to meeting agreed criteria over the next year.

“We are pleased to welcome Leeds Carnegie to the BBL,” Andy Webb, BBL Chief Operating Officer, commented. “Their addition will take our roster to 15 clubs for next season and will give us a second club in Yorkshire. The club have a solid community base from which to grow, and we look forward to working with them to develop the club in the coming seasons.”

The club also operate a women’s team and have an extensive junior programme covering multiple age ranges, all driven via an extensive community programme.

“To bring a basketball franchise to the city of Leeds which has such an amazing sporting pedigree is a privilege,” said Director of Basketball and Head Coach, Matt Newby.

“I feel that it is a testimony to the hard work of the staff at Leeds Metropolitan University and the Leeds Carnegie Basketball Foundation which has assured our ascension through the ranks and the continued development of our community programme.”Video via Yorkshire Post.

Leeds Carnegie will play their BBL games at Leeds Metropolitan University’s Sports Arena, and are keen to use this move to allow more young British talent to play at the highest domestic level.

“I hope we can continue to develop home grown talent from across the country and give them the opportunity to step in to the professional domain whilst maintaining their academic aspirations within our academic pathway, which includes Allerton High School and Leeds Metropolitan University,” added Newby.

Carnegie will get a taste of BBL Competition as early as January 2014 when they take on the Glasgow Rocks in the BBL Trophy 1st round.

Image Credit: Thomas Gadd

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