Member Article

They Shoot, They Score… Abbey College Manchester’s New Collaboration

Abbey College Manchester has launched an innovative new programme for basketball enthusiasts, by joining up with renowned local club Manchester Giants.

The leading independent college is offering students with a passion for basketball the invaluable opportunity to gain qualifications for entry to university, alongside intensive basketball training, which could lead to aspiring players pursuing professional careers in the sport in the UK and beyond.

Students aged 14-19 on the new course, commencing in January 2021, will attend academic classes in the morning, whether these are for GCSE, A-level or the Combined Studies Programme. This will be followed by basketball training sessions at the home of the British Basketball League Club, Manchester Giants, and led by Jamie Edwards, former Basketball International.

Jamie is one of Europe’s leading mental performance coaches, an identity he has established through his ability to help organisations and peak-performing athletes to create the results they aspire to. His name is linked to some of the world’s top sports professionals including Lee Westwood, Lewis Moody, Joe Hart and Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff.

Principal, Liz Elam commented, “At Abbey College Manchester we understand the importance for any student wanting to pursue their sporting ambitions, to ensure that alongside their training they gain the best possible education, and so we are incredibly excited to introduce this innovative new course.

“The programme offers a combined philosophy that has developed from bringing the benefits of elite sports training to both sport performance and academic studies. Our student athletes will develop beyond the game, focusing on integrating the development of basketball skills ‘on court’ with the development of life skills ‘off court’.”

Jamie Edwards added, “As part of the club commitment to developing young people on the basketball court we have an even greater commitment to developing them off the court too. This collaboration with Abbey College is about a shared vision around education combined with sport as a tool for preparation for the game of life.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Melissa Chawner .