About the course
The Academy provides student-athletes with a thoroughly designed regime that simulates a professional setup, with a rigorous preseason that is followed by a competitive league schedule and post-season evaluations and workouts. The coaching staff brings a plethora of experience playing and/or coaching at the collegiate and national level, while the support staff at the College extends to give academic help, as attendees prepare for the next phase of their careers.
Based at Myerscough College in Preston, the Academy�s student-athletes will gain a comprehensive understanding of the game through coaching in both an individual and team setting, and, upon graduation, will have the opportunity to pursue a university level degree or enter the world of professional basketball. Athletic and academic enrichment are just part of the vision, which includes building potential and leadership away from the court through challenges designed to foster independence and overall growth.
PROVEN RESULTS
Myerscough has quickly risen to be one of the prominent junior programmes in the United Kingdom and is home to some of the top players in the region, including former No. 1 DENG Camp prospects Kyle Carey (Class of 2016) and Mate Okros (Class of 2019). Student-athletes have garnered individual accolades, national and international recognition and represented countries at the senior, under-20, under-18 and under-16 age groups while graduates have gone on to receive athletic scholarships to American universities or to pursue degrees at prestigious institutions in the U.K. The Academy, which is a National Centre for Sporting Excellence, consistently adds to a growing list of national titles won at the senior and junior levels.
WHAT THE ACADEMY CAN OFFER
Qualifying students are able to apply and receive financial support for studies and residential.
Scholarship opportunities to UK Universities for some students
National Centre for Sporting Excellence � the best coaches, facilities and support
Bursary Funds � up to �1,200 to support your studies
Full accommodation available on campus
Top 10% of colleges nationwide for academic success
Residential Bursary funds � up to �3,400 to cover the cost of living at Myerscough
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation clinics
Basketball England Development Programme (EDP) for players on the performance pathway
Key Information
Location: Preston Campus
Course length: One Year (35 weeks)
Start date: September 2025
Interested in taking this course? Click here to apply for this course online
Course Modules
Anatomy and Physiology in Sport
Learners will explore the structure and function of the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular and respiratory systems and develop an understanding of the fundamentals of the energy systems.
Careers in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry
Learners will develop an understanding of careers in the sport and active leisure industry. They will gain the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed for employment in the industry.
Developing Coaching Skills
Learners will develop their coaching knowledge and skills to help improve others� performance skills, techniques and tactics across a range of sports.
Health, Wellbeing and Sport
Learners will explore the importance of physical activity and wellbeing for different types of participants and suggest ways to improve their physical and mental health status.
Self-employment in Sport and Physical Activity
Learners will develop knowledge and understanding of self-employment and apply this to develop a self-employment strategy within the context of the sport industry.
Sport Development
Learners will explore the principles of sport development, the key agencies involved and provide practical examples of current practice
Entry requirements & additional information
These courses give a good technical training and education providing a vocational alternative to A Levels and the opportunity for successful students to progress to Higher Education. Students are normally aged 16 or over and the following requirements are needed:
BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma (540) � (1 year)
An English GCSE at C (4) or higher plus a minimum of four others at C (4) or higher, including Maths and Science.
In addition Learning Areas may apply specific agreed aptitude assessments that assist selection. Applicants for all courses in Basketball Studies are expected to show a strong commitment to the industry and a strong personal statement.
All work is assessed via assignments, presentations, practicals and reports. There are no formal examinations at the end of the course.
As a course equivalent to A Level the Level 3 BTEC Diploma is an ideal spring board for progression to a Foundation Degree or Honours Degree depending on UCAS points gained. Successful students may progress to higher education courses such as a range of BA and BSc undergraduate degrees.
Progression onto degree programmes at other universities is dependent upon their own individual entry criteria. This might include specific requirements relating to the type of course being studied, the particular �modules� or �units� studied on a course, the work-experience that you�ve undertaken or even previous GCSE attainment. Entry requirements can also change from year-to-year.
It is essential that, if you have a clear career goal in mind, you check and confirm the entry requirements of your preferred degree programme prior to commencing your Level 3 studies here at Myerscough. Information, Advice and Guidance will be provided by the College to support you in making the right choices, but please ensure that you have taken time to consider your future career goals and the specific entry requirements at other universities. The UCAS website is a good starting point: https://www.ucas.com/
Costs that are mandatory for the course: Equipment and / or Clothing: Basketball kit, boots and trainers. Approx �200
Costs that are optional for the course: Study Tour: Visits and contact with BBL clubs and clubs abroad. Approx �150