Aspire 2021/22: Round two camps and Regional Talent Hubs confirmed

The Aspire Programme returns this month for round two of its talent camps.  

The objective of the programme is to introduce 2007-2011-born players to Basketball England’s talent environment, reinforcing BE’s Player Development Framework and the Aspire curriculum.   

All Aspire participants will be involved in camp activity within their region between October and Easter (Stage 1), before selected players move on to one of four super-region camps at Easter and in May (Stage 2).   

An Aspire All-Star Tournament will then take place in early Summer 2022 as the final stage of the programme for the 2021/22 season (Stage 3).  

Dates and venues over the Christmas period are as follows: 

East – University of Essex 

• Sunday, 19 December  
• Wednesday, 22 December 
• Thursday, 23 December 

East Midlands – Sir David Wallace, Loughborough University 

• Wednesday, 29 December 
• Thursday, 30 December  

London North Hub – Crest Academy 

• Monday, 20 December 
• Tuesday, 21 December 

• Wednesday, 22 December 

London South Hub - UEL 

• Tuesday, 28 December 
• Wednesday, 29 December 
• Thursday, 30 December  

North East – Northumbria University  

• Monday, 20 December 
• Tuesday, 21 December 
• Wednesday, 22 December 

North West – MMU, Platt Lane 

• Wednesday, 22 December 
• Thursday, 23 December 

South – Arborfield Green Leisure Centre 

• Monday, 20 December 
• Tuesday, 21 December 

• Wednesday, 22 December 

South East – Chichester University 

• Monday, 20 December 
• Tuesday, 21 December 

South West – Bristol Met 

• Monday, 20 December (Girls) 
• Tuesday, 21 December (Boys) 

West Midlands – Doug Ellis 

• Monday, 20 December  

• Tuesday, 21 December 

Yorkshire – Leeds Beckett University 

• Monday, 20 December (Boys and Girls) 
• Tuesday, 21 December (Boys and Girls) 
• Wednesday, 22 December (Boys) 

Regional Talent Hubs 

Basketball England has also re-partnered with four universities who will play host to Aspire Programme sessions as Regional Talent Hubs (RTH), providing support to clubs and local league providers, as well as coaching, officiating and sports science workshops.  

The four hubs are: 

• North West – Manchester Metropolitan University 
• East Midlands – Loughborough University
• West Midlands – Birmingham City University
• South East – University of Chichester  

The hubs will benefit young players within the talent and performance pathway, as well as clubs, coaches, volunteers, and other support staff in each region. A team of students from each university and BE’s Regional Talent Managers will be on hand to provide leadership and additional support. 

Director of Sport and Physical Activity at Birmingham City University Mark Jeffreys, said:  

“BCU is delighted to be re-signing as a Regional Talent Hub for the West Midlands. Involvement in the hub allows our students to engage with Basketball England and support the development of talented players from the region in a hands-on way.” 

Head of Talent and Performance at Basketball England Steve Bucknall, said: 

“We are delighted to announce the second round of camps for the festive season and look forward to seeing the players back on the court and honing their skills and basketball minds.  

“Additionally, it’s fantastic to have the support of four renowned universities as our talent hubs. We aim to give our Aspire cohorts the very best experience on-and-off the court and the hubs will strengthen our offer through their facilities, expertise and passion for development.” 

A further two RTHs are set to be announced once agreements have been reached. If any universities would like more information about becoming a Regional Talent Hub, please contact the Talent team.