Hartlepool Sixth Form is part of the Huskies Basketball pack

Hartlepool Sixth Form is relaunching its Basketball Academy in partnership with leading North East club Huskies Basketball. 

Students with a talent and interest in the sport who are applying for the 2023-24 academic year will be able to combine their full-time studies with an elite training programme delivered by the Huskies professional coaches alongside playing competitive games in the Association of Colleges (AoC) Regional Basketball League. 

While part of the academy, student-athletes will receive an impressive benefits package including technical and tactical coaching, strength and conditioning training, individual player performance plans and a branded training kit, as well as opportunities to gain paid work and qualifications outside of sixth form. 

Dan Finney, Sports Academies and Partnership Manager, said: “We are extremely excited to have basketball back at Hartlepool Sixth Form and to be working with Huskies Basketball, who have a great reputation across the North East. 

“Our new Basketball Academy will give young basketball players in the region the opportunity to take part in a comprehensive training programme and a competitive place in the AoC Regional Sport League from September 2023, while also studying a broad range of academic subjects including A-Levels, vocational courses and T Levels.” 

Huskies Basketball is an inclusive sports club which aims to give local young people of all abilities from across Durham and the Tees Valley the opportunity to learn and thrive in a positive, sporting environment. 

The club works alongside Cleveland Police to help reduce antisocial behaviour and prides itself on helping and giving back to the community. 

Former Newcastle Eagles academy coach Calvin George, Director at Huskies Basketball, said: “One of the aims of bringing academy basketball back to the area was the chance to offer young people the chance to access performance basketball. 

“Hartlepool Sixth Form has been instrumental in helping us achieve this by giving providing the platform to start an U19s college team with the hopes of competing in the AoC Regional League next year. 

“Our goals are clear in what we want to achieve and really highlight the sixth form and its offering both on and off the court. The future is very bright.” 

To find out more or apply, visit www.hartlepoolsixth.ac.uk or register for an open day.