The Newcastle Eagles and Eagles Community Foundation are proud to announce the launch of the ‘Newcastle Eagles Academy’, aimed at developing the top talent from around the region.
As off-court development continues to push forward, with the building of the Eagles Community Arena, it is a fitting time to announce changes to our Performance Pathway structure.
2018-19 will be the inaugural season for the academy, formerly known as our School of Excellence.
Across the UK the ‘academy’ system is becoming one of the most visual parts of youth basketball, particularly at under-18 and under-19 levels. Our aim is to align ourselves with that structure to showcase our up and coming players in Junior National Basketball League competition, where our academy teams will compete at under-14 boys and girls, under-16 boys, under-18 and 23 men.
In addition to this, for the first time ever, players who are in further education at our partner colleges and schools across the region, will be eligible to compete for the Newcastle Eagles on Wednesdays in the Elite Academy Basketball League. The EABL boasts some of the UK best talent and is a tremendous platform for our players to experience.
Sam Blake, Chief Executive Officer of the Eagles Community Foundation, said: “Now is the right time for us to create the structure and pathways that we have always wanted within the foundation. We have already seen talented youngers make their way through the pathway, with debuts coming this year at BBL and WBBL level from Themba Yabantu and Orieoma Chukwu-etu, respectively.”
“The new building will give us a chance to create a real sense of community and family with the organisation and ensuring we are doing the best for our young players is all part of that.”
The newly rebranded Newcastle Eagles Academy hits the court running with its trials for the 2018-19 season taking place on Sunday 24th June.
In the meantime, the foundation are running a series of technical workouts sessions on the 1st, 2nd and 9th June for Central Venue League players, who are looking to elevate their game to the next level ahead of the trials.
Further details about both the sessions and the trials are due to be announced over the next few days.
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