Bede College Basketball Academy The Ise On Cake
A partnership has been launched between Teesside Lions and Bede College to further advance the Institute of Sport & Exercise (ISE) at the Billingham based College and provide a pathway for students who enjoy basketball to continue the sport alongside their studies.
Both elite and recreational opportunities will be available to boys and girls, with players benefitting from first class coaching and partnered pathways to progress with Teesside Lions, Teesside University and Durham University.
The College programme will be based at Bede College and allows Teesside Lions to offer a complete basketball journey for young people in the area.
Teesside Lions player and Director of Coaching Anthony Reed will coach the programme with support from Ian Hewitt and James Thomson.
Anthony Reed is a highly regarded coach who is also a qualified S&C Coach working with elite institutions Queen Ethelburgh and Leeds United FC. He has been coaching with Teesside Lions junior National League programmes for four years and was appointed as the clubs Director of Coaching in 2020. He is also an S&C Coach for the Great Britain Maxi Basketball programme.
Ian Hewitt is Head Coach of Durham University men’s basketball team and has an impressive career of coaching and developing high level players including NCAA athletes, England juniors and international players throughout his time at Durham, Newcastle and as England u15 Coach. Ian is also the ISE Programme lead at Bede College.
James Thomson is the chairman and assistant coach at Teesside Lions. James has developed one of the biggest junior programmes in the North East with more than 300 members playing basketball on a weekly basis. James has been coaching basketball from community to national league levels for more than 25 years. He has also established a professional men’s programme; attracting Great Britain Coach Marc Steutel as the club prepare to bring professional basketball to the area.
Teesside Lions play in a 1200 capacity arena and attract crowds of 500+.
With so many opportunities to strive towards, college players will have access to 1-2-1 workouts, Strength & Conditioning programmes as well as nutrition and sports psychology support. Competitive opportunities in AOC, local league and junior national league will deliver a well-balanced and effective programme geared to developing athletes to provide the best route for elite development in the area.
With a cohesive management team and extended playing opportunities with Teesside Lions the objectives of the ISE programme will provide a game-changing opportunity for basketball players in and around the area to excel and succeed.
Ian started his new role at Bede College in July and couldn’t be more thrilled about the new partnership, stating: “The Tees Valley area is a hot bed for basketball talent and we wanted to partner with an ambitious club that values player development. I’m excited to watch this academy grow and it is great that we are open to all club players both male and female.”
James Thomson said: “The opportunity to develop a basketball academy with Bede College is an exciting one for which we are well prepared. We have a good feeder system through our community and junior national league programmes and in a way; this is the missing link for an overall player development pathway.
“We have ambitious plans for basketball and are keen for the College Academy to grow into something special.”
Prospective students and parents are invited to an open evening on Thursday 7th of October between 5-7pm to meet staff and look around the impressive facilities.
For further information visit www.bede.ac.uk or www.TeessideLions.com
