The Earlscliffe Basketball Academy
We have always encouraged our students to lead healthy lifestyles, and we believe that the core values of good sportsmanship (ambition to succeed, teamwork, leadership and commitment) are valuable throughout all aspects of school life and academic achievement. Therefore, in 2022 Earlscliffe launched the Earlscliffe Basketball Academy with the intention of motivating students on and off the court!
In this short amount of time, the Earlscliffe Basketball Academy has experienced remarkable growth. Arthur was quickly identified as an Ambassador – clearly exemplifying the core team qualities of talent, dedication and resilience. Arthur’s engaging personality helped to garner enthusiasm for basketball across the community. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QRPzs2iwjc
Coach Stuart Hunt passionately says, “The Earlscliffe Basketball Academy promotes elite-level sportsmanship, fostering growth through rigorous four-weekly sessions alongside inclusive community mix-ins. We welcome players of all ages, gender, and skill level.”
Within just one year we have secured a squad of fifteen dedicated Basketball Academy players, many of whom demonstrate their commitment by attending pre-school sessions at 07:00 am. With our intensive coaching programme, four of these players are now competing in the national U18s league.
We expect the Academy to grow by a further 100% by September 2024 with a squad of at least 30 players.
These students exemplify commitment and determination, honing their basketball skills not only for personal growth but also to excel in competitive arenas – they are currently enjoying an undefeated streak!
Though Arthur has returned to Brazil, he consistently promotes the Basketball Academy and speaks of his gratitude to Earlscliffe who gave him the opportunity to improve. He continues to play in Brazil with success in national competitions.
This year’s Basketball Academy recruits comprise a diverse and inclusive group of players from eleven different countries. One standout player from our 2023 cohort is Jayden who truly embodies the co-supportive sporting spirit of our academy. His stellar performance, averaging 16.9 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, underscores his invaluable contributions to the team’s success.
Jayden says, “Success lies in good planning. It’s about scheduling your day strategically — knowing when to train, when to study. The Earlscliffe Basketball Academy training sessions are in the mornings and evenings so they do not interfere with school work.” See more of this interview https://youtu.be/FdFqY_hbFmY
The Earlscliffe Basketball Academy stands as a beacon of excellence, nurturing the talents of aspiring athletes while fostering a culture of academic achievement. As we continue to expand our program, welcoming students from all walks of life, we remain steadfast in our commitment to shaping the leaders and champions of tomorrow.
Categories: Earlscliffe Students General News