Have a talented basketball player on your hands? Bespoke basketball programmes that are fully integrated with the school curriculum is a growing trend at UK boarding schools.
Specialist Sports UK boarding schools
Sporting excellence at these schools is nothing new. Exceptional sports accompanied by rigorous academic study is their forte. It goes without saying, they have jaw-dropping facilities and coaching – and have produced first-class athletes over the years. England netball captain Pamela Cookey went to Millfield, England wicket-keeper Sarah Taylor attended Brighton College and Spartak Moscow footballer Victor Moses started his career at Whitgift School.
Many boarding schools integrate basketball under the watchful eye of coaches with national and international basketball experience. Bournemouth Collegiate School, St Paul’s, Dulwich College and Brockenhurst College to name a few. Each student has their own bespoke training programme, tailored to their own specific needs. All with state of the art facilities. Indoor pitches, outdoor grass and astro-turf pitches enabling year-long training.
Earlscliffe Basketball Academy
We spoke to Earlscliffe in Kent recently about their exceptional basketball offering. The Earlscliffe Basketball Academy offers two full-time basketball coaches, a strength and conditioning coach and access to top class physiotherapists. Students have the chance to train with their team up to five times per week, play weekly inter school competition matches, and have the opportunity of daily individual training sessions. They have National League basketball training and matches in the evenings and weekends in the Basketball England National League; and go on the annual EBA Tour visiting colleges and universities to compete against some of the best young players in the world.
Students complete a full academic timetable alongside landing baskets. There’s one-to-one UCAS and careers guidance. They’ll have additional support in sourcing basketball scholarships at top universities, making highlight reels and a basketball portfolio. For those looking to make a career in basketball they have excellent links with Basketball England and many international governing bodies.
Additionally, each student is taught to look after their body and mind. Diet and nutrition is key and corporate gym membership are also provided.
Earlscliffe Basketball Academy’s programme
• Any choice of Earlscliffe academic course
• IELTS tuition
• Professional coaching from Level 2 and 3 coaches
• University advice targeting basketball scholarships, particularly in the USA, player tapes and notes
• Membership of Folkestone Saints Basketball Club
• Sports Nutrition Advice
• Player insurance
• One set of each of Earlscliffe Basketball Academy and Folkestone Saints
merchandise and kit
Optional extras:
• Sports Psychology sessions
• Physiotherapy
• Sports Massage sessions
• One-to-one skills coaching
• Trips to university sports science
departments
• Annual Team tour to the USA or Europe
Want your child to have a career in basketball? Earlscliffe Basketball Academy might be the answer. A slam dunk as they say.
