The Earlscliffe Basketball Academy allows students to combine serious basketball development with academic study in a structured and supportive environment.
Students train regularly with an experienced professional coaching team focused on improving technical ability, game understanding and physical performance, while also developing teamwork, leadership, resilience and a positive competitive mindset.
Players take part in regular competitive matches as members of Folkestone Saints Basketball Club, gaining access to a National League pathway with a strong emphasis on player development. Consistent training and expert coaching help committed players reach their full potential, while staying fully engaged with their studies.
Key Features
- Daily basketball training
- Regular competitive match play
- Professional coaching from Level 3 coaches
- Membership of Folkestone Saints Basketball Club
- Small-group and one-to-one skills coaching
- Opportunities to gain coaching and refereeing qualifications
- Sports psychology
- Guidance on health, fitness and nutrition
We provide daily, dedicated basketball training with a professional coaching team whose years of experience can propel a player’s ability onto the next level. They are Level 3 qualified. They also encourage the development of key life skills such as sportsmanship, strategy, leadership and a positive mindset.
Our early morning basketball training sessions (before school) are aimed towards the more focused sporting students who intend to truly make the most of this opportunity, with very small training groups.
The afternoon training sessions tend to be more relaxed, with all levels of ability welcome for a little competitive fun and friendship.
Earlscliffe encourages co-curricular sporting activities and we often find that students who are able to show a proven ability to work as a team do better when applying to university or for their future careers.
We also help our students to develop a better understanding of good health and nutrition, both within the sporting environment and as part of a modern lifestyle.
Basketball Coaches
Stuart Hunt
Coach Stuart Hunt is a dynamic, fast-rising basketball coach with proven success from grassroots to international competition.
He is currently leading multiple teams at Saints Basketball Academy (Folkestone) as well as spearheading the Earlscliffe Basketball Academy.
He has guided squads to national titles, international tournament wins, and elite player pathways.
Recognised as Basketball England’s ‘Young Coach of the Year’ (2023), honoured for his outstanding impact on youth development, community outreach and excellence in coaching execution, Stuart blends tactical expertise, player development, and strength & conditioning to prepare athletes for success at the highest level.
His coaching has taken athletes from local courts to global stages, fostering resilience, team chemistry, and professional-level preparation.
Mark Hinton
Mark is a Level 3 Basketball England Coach and Head of Basketball at Saints Basketball Academy, where he also leads the Saints Basketball National League teams at both junior and senior levels.
With over 25 years of coaching experience in England and abroad, he has played a pivotal role in developing players from beginner level through to County and National representation.
His coaching has provided clear pathways for many juniors to progress into college and university programmes, as well as professional basketball careers.
He has coached at camps across England and overseas, building a strong reputation for creating opportunities for students to join professional clubs and colleges in Europe and the United States.
With a proven track record of player development and international connections, he continues to inspire the next generation of athletes to reach their full potential.
