Basketball England Talent Hub Initiative Prepares for Launch

By Sam Neter on September 25, 2019

Image Credit: Basketball England

Basketball England have announced their university-based Regional Talent Hubs across the country that are aimed to become the hub of basketball development in each regiona.

The initiative places a host university partner at the centre of each region, and aims to benefit clubs, players, coaches, officials, volunteers and partners to help them get the most from basketball, whilst enabling the NGB to reinvest funds generated into the talent system.

The seven universities and one club across eight regions that partnerships have been formed with are:

• North East – Newcastle Eagles
• North West – Manchester Metropolitan University
• East Midlands – Loughborough University
• West Midlands – Birmingham City University
• East – University of Essex
• South West – Plymouth Marjon University
• South – Solent University
• London – University of East London

There remain another two regional talent hubs to be selected with announcements expected in due course.

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.”

They hubs will be supported by a team of students with our Regional Talent Managers providing leadership and additional support to ensure that key performance indicators are achieved, and will 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.

Basketball England Talent Programme and Pathway Manager Charlie Ford said: “Today is a landmark day in the execution of our strategic plan for Talent. Our Hub partners will provide valuable resources to the sport and help to integrate and enhance the player pathway.

“In addition, the students within each Hub team will get the opportunity and benefit from work experiences that will increase their employability upon graduation.

“The Hubs will not only provide support for Talent but will also host development sessions, participation events whilst also linking with leagues and clubs to boost the local infrastructure of the sport.”

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