Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2016 7:28:13 GMT
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The London Lions and Newham Youngbloods have announced a partnership that will now see London Lions Junior teams in National competition.
Lions, London’s only professional basketball team playing in the British Basketball League have been looking for a way to answer the need of their young fans seeking to play National League basketball at age group levels. As a result one of London’s legendary programmes, the Newham Youngblood’s will now merge with the Lions and be known as London Youngblood Lions.
This year’s Basketball England fixtures will now show eight Lions teams from under 14’s through to under 18’s for boys and girls.
Coach Caroline Charles of Youngblood’s said, “The reach of the Lions has grown extensively in the three seasons in the Olympic Park, as a successful Junior programme we see benefits in creating pathways for our young people and the Lions link up was obvious.”
London Lions’ Chief Executive, Vince Macaulay also said, “Our professional team is the capital’s shop window for basketball at the highest level in the UK, we have established two strong Academies at Epping Forest and Hackney, a Junior programme for all ages means we can continue to work with young people and give them a Lions offering from beginners through our Satellite Lions Clubs through to those taking tentative steps into national competition and then elite level for their aspirations, I want to thank Caroline and Youngblood’s for their foresight.”
Laurent Irish, Lion’s development Officer will work closely with existing staff as well as bringing new coaches and players to the programme and arranging fixtures at the Copper Box prior to Lions’ home games.
Fixtures for Youngblood Lions are already on the Basketball England website and will be in the Lions’ new website to be launched shortly.
