College’s partnership with Manchester Magic is slam dunk for basketball fans

Hopwood Hall College and University Centre has teamed up with Manchester Magic to launch its exciting new Basketball Academy.

The partnership will provide opportunities for young people in the borough – starting with the open trials taking place on Monday 23 May.

Those who try out won’t just get a shot at impressing players from Manchester Magic, but could also gain a place on the new post-school course starting in September.

The upcoming pathway – where learners can study a Level 1, 2 or 3 diploma in sport – has been developed alongside Manchester Magic, ideal for those who aspire to perform at an elite level, whether that’s as a player, coach, referee or any number of sport-related careers.

Ben Cox, Programme Manager for Sport at Hopwood Hall College, said: “We’re thrilled to have joined forces with Manchester Magic to launch our new Basketball Academy.

“There’s a huge appetite from young people in the borough for studying sport and we’re delighted that this course will allow them to further explore their passion for basketball.

“This partnership really does promise to be a fantastic opportunity which can lead to a wide range of careers in a growing sector.”

The course will feature elements of sport psychology, video analysis, physiology, and strength and conditioning.

Combining classroom learning with time on the court, it’s been designed by both the college and Manchester Magic, a not-for-profit organisation with charitable status.

Phil Gordos, CEO of Manchester Magic and Manchester Mystics, said: "We are very excited about this partnership with Hopwood Hall College.

“We are always looking at ways to engage young people and provide them with opportunities through basketball. Given Hopwood Hall shares the same objectives as us, we believe we can achieve so much more by working together."

Hopwood already offers its sport qualification with both rugby and football, the latter of which is in partnership with Paris Saint-Germain Academy England.

Basketball, however, has become a popular enrichment programme at the college under Trafford Magic Under 16s Head Coach Mark Hamilton.

Mark, who has coached for over a decade in places like Spain and Italy, will now act as the head coach for Basketball Academy at Hopwood Hall College.

Mark said: “The young people in our community are very ambitious and have so much potential to make strides in the world of sport and basketball.

“This groundbreaking course will allow them to really hone their skills, with the chance of eventually playing in the National Basketball League.

“I’d strongly encourage anyone who’s interested to come down and take part in our upcoming open trials because it could be the start of a life-changing journey.”

The basketball open trials will take place at the sports arena at the college’s Middleton Campus from 6pm – 8pm on Monday 23 May. You can register to attend here.