New term sees relaunch of Myerscough Basketball Academy girl’s programme

The female programme has confirmed entry into the Junior National League Northern U18s Premier Division, Division Two Women’s alongside the collegiate WEABL (Women’s Elite Academy Basketball League) & U17s Dynamik National Schools Championship.

Along with the male programme, the female programme is affiliated to Basketball England’s Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) provision within the talent pathway.

Myerscough is one of 18 Category 1 Basketball Academies – those that have met the Academy Delivery Standards and one of 13 which currently deliver the DiSE Qualification.

DiSE Partnerships are elite academy environments, with the qualification forming part of the England Development Programme (EDP) Framework, which is made up of four elements: the DiSE Qualification, a full-time programme of learning, a Level 2 coach/official award, and participation in the EABL or WEABL.

Neal Hopkins is the Sports Academy & Performance Lead at Myerscough, and says: ‘’Our students receive high quality coaching every day – from both a team and individual perspective – and have access to our state of the art strength and conditioning facilities.

‘’Encompassing academic lessons, coaching sessions, physio and rehabilitation clinics and competitive fixtures Myerscough aims to give a ‘next level’ experience which is supported by qualified tutors and highly experienced coaches”.

‘’It’s hoped the girls can follow in the boy’s footsteps and enjoy similar success in years to come’’.

Basketball England’s Talent Pathway and Programme Manager Sam Messam said: "The Category 1 academies are an important part of our Player Pathway and provide talented athletes with daily training environments that ensure high contact time, quality technical and tactical instruction braced by a commitment to physical robustness, and pursuit of persistent performers who are highly coachable and dedicated to their craft.

"The procurement process for Category 1 status is rigorous in both its approach and depth of assessment.

"These 18 academies have proven themselves to have qualified in all seven Academy Delivery Standards and ready to support our most talented prospects within the 16-19-year-old window."

Myerscough College Basketball Academy was launched in September 2013 and is designed to provide students with the unique opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of the game, whilst studying towards qualifications that provide the ideal pathway to university level degree courses or the world of basketball.