The Reading Rockets and the University of Reading have truly developed a fantastic partnership of high performance basketball and high quality academic study.
Over the past 3 years both partners have been busying themselves with the vital foundations that are required to build a sustainable and successful system of delivery. And the results have been very impressive-With 2 back to back promotions and a recently undefeated season the Men's basketball programme at Reading is fast becoming a real player in the competitive world of student sport.
Ever looking to improve on the quality of basketball in their area the Rockets and the University of Reading have now also added an impressive scholarship support system to the already flourishing basketball programme.
Iain Akhurst, Director of Sport at the University has been very active in his support of the basketball work we have been doing in the University and after attracting such excellent student athletes as Simon Kearney (GB u20 and Psychology major) and Dan Mckay (GB u20 and Maths major) is keen to see the sport continue its progression upwards.
University sport at Reading is very fortunate that it already has a number of GB athletes from the rowing side and the future for basketball is to follow very closely in the high performance foot steps.
The structure is based on the philosophy that all athletes should have a minimum of 2 individual sessions each week (with groups of 4-5 max.)
There will also be 2 team based sessions in line with the current programme and all athletes will be expected to attend a minimum of 2 staffed and recorded gym workouts.
The average week for each athlete will include:
- 2 x Team training sessions
- 2 x Individual sessions with Head Coach
- 2 x Gym sessions with trainer
- 1 x Game/scrimmage (Minimum)
- (Additional video analysis)
Vision:
The vision for the academy at Reading University is to create a programme that will enable athletes to balance a high level education with high level athletic performance.
All individual sessions will be added to the athletes time-table and will fit around academic priorities.
Team sessions will also be around the Reading Rockets team training schedule so players will be available to play for the University and the Rockets National League programme.
Scholarship support:
In line with the Rockets National League player pathway the University of Reading is now offering scholarship support at 2 different levels depending on the team that they represent on a National League level.
Level 1 scholarship is the highest currently and will be awarded to players selected to train with the Mens Division 1 squad
Level 2 scholarships will be awarded for players selected to train with the Rockets second Mens team (currently in National Division 4)
What do I do now?
If you are interested in finding out more please contact Matt Johnson in the first instance on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
You can also see more about the University and the academic requirements at: www.reading.ac.uk
or more about the Reading Rockets at: www.readingrockets.co.uk
