We are pleased to announce that our Rockets Academy programme at Birmingham Metropolitan College has been accepted onto the DiSE partnership programme for 2023/24.
As a result, the programme will once again enter into the Elite Academy Basketball League (EABL) while also having Association of Colleges (AOC) teams in competition for the 2023/24 season.
We are delighted to see our commitment to developing the regions talent recognised by Basketball England and we look forward to continuing to establish and grow our programme.
Rockets CEO, Robert Palmer, said, “It is great to see the club’s commitment to our performance pathway being recognised by Basketball England as one of only 12 boys providers nationwide.
“This programme offers significant opportunity for the best players in the region to pursue a sporting career in an elite environment alongside their academics.
“We are also able to cater for a large number of students on this basketball programme and welcome applicants of all abilities from across the West Midlands as we continue to evolve and develop our offering.”
DiSE Partnerships are elite academy environments supported by multiple partners (e.g., university, school, college, basketball club etc.) to deliver the Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) qualification.
Having been assessed against the Academy Delivery Standards, all DiSE Partnerships are deemed to be Category 1 Academies and are committed to athlete development, welfare, and support, and will be working with Basketball England to stretch and challenge athletes under their care.
The DiSE Qualification forms part of Basketball England’s England Development Programme (EDP) Framework, which is made up of four elements: the DiSE Qualification, a full-time programme of learning (i.e., A-Levels or BTEC study), Level 2 coach/official award, and participation in the Elite Basketball Academy League or Women’s Elite Academy Basketball League).
Basketball England’s Talent Pathway and Programme Manager, Sam Messam, described the 14 DiSE Partnerships as “dedicated talent environments with the highest level of athlete support and development on offer to stretch and challenge elite basketball players towards growth and success, both as a basketball player and student.
“Furthermore, the DiSE Qualification is a unique opportunity for youth basketball players aged 16-19-years-old to continue to advance their knowledge and understanding of the game, compete at the highest level of youth basketball in England, and work towards their career aspirations.
“The 14 DiSE Partnerships have demonstrated their knowledge and expertise in talent development, and demonstrated the provision of high-quality facilities, equipment, and staff in support of basketball and athlete development and have the complete confidence of Basketball England”.
Click here to register your interest in our academy programme today!