Leeds Basketball Academy

City of Leeds Basketball Academy Email academy@cityofleedsbasketballclub.co.uk

The City of Leeds Basketball Academy was established in 2014 and is based at Allerton High School. It is the pinnacle of the City Of Leeds performance pathway, catering for male and female players; who are looking to study their post-16 options whilst being immersed in a performance environment.

The program has a strong history of developing talent with a number of alumni representing Great Britain and receiving scholarships both in the USA and domestically.

The academy provides a comprehensive training program with 8-12 hours of high level coaching on a weekly basis, complemented by 4-6 hours of strength and conditioning support, as well as access to film and performance analysis. Furthermore our teams compete in the U18 Men’s Junior National League as well as the Academies Basketball League.

Since September 2021 we have seen significant growth in the Academy pathway, which has included curriculum delivery across the whole school during PE lessons, the expansion of the after-school club offer and the development of morning practices for all year groups.

This has been overseen by newly-appointed lower-school Head Coach Ryan Weir and a successful season saw Allerton High School claim the Year 11 and Year 9 Leeds & District Schools’ Championships.

With over 100 young men and women accessing the increased basketball provision at the school, we look forward to maintaining a strong presence in the region as our student-athletes continue their development with the programme.

Contact us now at academy@cityofleedsbasketballclub.co.uk for more information on how to apply.

Testimonials

“My 2 years at the City of Leeds Basketball Academy were crucial in my development as a basketball player. The level of coaching, academic support and access to facilities at the academy is extremely rare in the UK. I’m so grateful for my time in those hallways, they shaped me into the professional I am today.”

Danny Evans - Professional in Europe

"I was the youngest member of the academy when it was established and have fond memories of playing for Coach Matt Newby. The program helped me to appreciate hard work on the court and in the classroom - a necessary requirement for every student athlete in the NCAA. I will never forget the 7am practices followed by breakfast and all the fun we had during bus journeys to games all over England."

Vasja Pandza - Seattle University

"My time at the academy helped me overcome the challenge of balancing a competitive level of basketball and a rigorous academic schedule. The people there were instrumental in helping me soar to greater heights and continue to pursue my passions in both Europe and the United States. The lessons, experiences and people I met during my time at the academy are unforgettable and I have no doubt that this will continue under Coach Newby’s phenomenal leadership."

Jaka Pandza - Columbia University

"COLBA have delivered an extensive Basketball programme through curricular and extracurricular PE at Allerton High School this year. Consistent, high quality delivery has led to a further increase in students attending extracurricular clubs both before and after school. The increased participation rates are a reflection of the expert planning and delivery of sessions by the COLBA coaches and this is something we are very grateful for as a department. The hunger for Basketball is evident on a daily basis at school with students playing the sport at every available opportunity. There are countless students who now bring in their own Basketballs to play at break and lunch time. COLBA have also assisted teaching staff with CPD and GCSE PE moderations thus improving the department’s subject knowledge and delivery of the sport.

We look forward to carrying on this partnership moving forward."

George Ross - Head of PE at Allerton High School