AASE Programme extends opportunity for basketball academy players

In June 2013, Myerscough College Basketball Academy received approval from England Basketball to run an AASE (Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence) programme in conjunction with parent club Manchester Giants. The college is one of just 17 AASE accredited institutions for basketball in the country and as a result they automatically qualified to compete in the newly formed EABL (Elite Academy Basketball League) in just their first year as a programme.

Six of the 23 first year students at the academy are part of the AASE programme, which is designed for athletes "who have the realistic potential to achieve excellence in their sport and are seeking to perform at the highest level as their main career goal". The student-athletes receive a minimum of 14 hours on-court training each week and also have access to expert strength and conditioning staff. Students will receive a Level 3 Diploma in Achieving Excellence in Sports Performance at the end of two years and also have the opportunity to complete several officiating and coaching qualifications. With the objective of supporting elite athletes in an educational environment, the AASE programme aims to provide exit routes into higher education or the sport industry for those players who do not make it as professionals - AASE works along side a students full time college qualification.

AASE athletes Chris Bwana and Ryan Knowles are both attending the initial England U18 training camp this weekend. Head Coach and Programme leader of the Myerscough College Basketball Academy Neal Hopkins commented "We are incredibly pleased to be able to offer prospective students the opportunity to be an AASE apprentice, the framework that AASE provides is exceptional and truly adds to our students academic and basketball experience whilst they are here at Myerscough. the AASE programme gives young athletes the ideal platform to not only improve on the court but also off it"

For more information on AASE please see the England Basketball website

Alternatively you can contact course leader Neal Hopkins nhopkins@myerscough.ac.uk