Woking College Basketball Academy
Support Your Team
Woking College
Blackhawks Basketball Academy
Woking College has partnered with the Woking Blackhawks to create a new training academy where talented basketball players aged 16-19 can combine basketball training with their academic studies.
The Academy is open to students 16-19 who wish to study A levels or BTECs at Woking College whilst receiving 5 hours of basketball training from a professional Blackhawks coach.
The programme will include nutrition advice, gym training and advice about sports scholarships and progression to university.
You will train in the superb facilities at Woking College including a large sports hall and well-equipped gym.
This year the Woking Blackhawk Basketball Academy will play in the Surrey Sixth form league (SSFL) and the Association of Colleges (AOC)
To apply, choose which A levels or BTECs, or a combination of both that you wish to study and register your interest in the Blackhawks Basketball Academy on the application form. (Section 6 – Additional Information)
We have both men’s and women’s teams competing.
Team 23/24
Team 22/23
Team 21/22
Teams 24/25
Basketball Programme
- Training: At College, Minimum 3-5hrs per week (Game Wednesdays Daytime)
- Gym Sessions: 2 x Sessions provided per week (TBC)
- Kit: Game kit provided.
- Transport: Transport is provided to and from away games.
- Leagues: We play in the Surrey College League: CBL (TBC)
- Coaching: Coaching staff are qualified to L2 NBL
The benefits of playing Basketball
Basketball is a popular sport in the UK and many colleges offer programs that allow students to play and compete at various levels. In this section, we will explore some of the benefits of playing basketball at college in the UK.
- Physical Health: Playing basketball is an excellent form of physical activity that helps to keep the body fit and healthy. Regular exercise helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and stroke and helps maintain a healthy weight.
- Mental Health: Basketball is a great stress reliever and can help to reduce anxiety and depression. The social interaction and team dynamic of playing basketball can also boost self-esteem and help to improve overall mental health.
- Skill Development: Playing basketball at college allows students to develop and improve their basketball skills in a supportive environment. With regular practices and games, students can hone their skills and become more confident in their abilities.
- Socialisation: Basketball is a team sport, which means that players get to interact with others and form new relationships. This can help to build social skills, make new friends, and foster a sense of community.
- College Preparation: Playing basketball at college can help to prepare students for life after college by teaching them valuable life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication. These skills are highly sought after by employers and can help students succeed in their future careers.
In conclusion, playing basketball at Woking College offers a wide range of benefits for students. From physical health to mental well-being, skill development to socialisation, basketball is a great way to stay active, meet new people, and have fun. So, if you’re looking for a fun and rewarding activity, consider joining the Woking College Blackhawks Basketball Team.
Meet the team.
Get to meet the team. How and why they got into basketball, their aspirations and the benefits of playing the game.
A good leader always leads by example so our first “meet the team member ” is …..
Brett Greenwood
Coach
Why did you choose Basketball over Football for example?
Basketball is more fast-paced, and everyone must get involved to help win on both offence and defence.
How did you get into Basketball, when did you start?
I was a kid who picked up a ball and threw it at a hoop once, instead of kicking it. I found joy in getting the ball through the hoop and began being coached at age 8.
Who did you play for, was it always the Blackhawks?
I started my competitive playing at Kingston Wildcats from 11 to 15 years old. I then was convinced to join Woking Blackhawks through a friend and spent a year with the club. After my time at Woking, I joined a high-level academy – Reading Rockets. I was fortunate to make a National Final and be coached by the GB U18 Coach here. I then played for the Surrey Scorchers Academy, trained with their men’s BBL squad and even featured in a league game. COVID then hit which halted my basketball playing and started my passion for coaching.
What position do you/did you play?
I play and have always played a mix of Point Guard or Shooting Guard, except for when I was 13/14 where they tried to make me the Centre as I was 6’1!
How did you get into coaching and why?
My old coach at Woking reached out to me post-COVID. They had a team competing in the U16 Premier National League, none of the coaches or players at the club had experience at this level. I had played at this level and higher, so I went down to a field to help whip them into shape. By the time we were allowed to play inside again, I had completed the Coaching course and took on an U14 squad myself.
What level do you coach at and what your aspirations are … maybe coach for a BBL team?
Not sure in all honesty, I am currently in the Aspire program and Assistant Coach South East England. I would like to progress here and maybe be involved with the National Team someday soon.
How do you feel about the possibility of winning the title 2 years in a row?
We are currently on course to go 2 years in a row undefeated! It’s a pleasure to coach a bunch of players who are hungry to learn, compete and win.
Why should someone come to Woking College and join the Woking College Basketball Academy?
It is a rapidly growing program, that has the potential to be very successful with great facilities. It is connected to the largest basketball club in Surrey!
Emilia Bye Harris
Featured Player
Why did you choose basketball over other sports?
Growing up I have always been in sports, mostly focused on football and basketball. By the end of year 11, I had to decide on which sport I was going to continue playing at a high level and, despite ankle injuries, basketball won me over. Ultimately, the competitiveness and my love for the game made my decision easy – I was addicted to playing, improving, training and coaching at my basketball club.
How did you get into basketball and who influenced me?
I was 10 when I joined my first basketball youth session, coached by a man named Costas. Here, I was fortunate enough to come across a friend for life, who I played national league basketball with for nearly 3 seasons. We enjoyed pushing and competing against each other, whilst learning the fundamentals at such a young age. It was also here where the sheer discipline of basketball was established for me: the coach was strict, shaping us kids in a way that is not only applicable to basketball but everyday life.
Who do I play for?
I have always played for Woking Blackhawks.
After joining the youth session with coach Costas, a team of girls was put together and we played in a CVL league — at U14, I was playing against U17 boys. It was also here where I met a teammate who is now an U18 and women’s Great Britain basketball player, who I still look up to greatly.
Following this, I was part of Woking Blackhawk’s first-ever national league girls team, as a first-year U16 player and I have been competing at this level since. I trained on weekends too at skills sessions run by coach Brett, enhancing my performance.
Since then, I received 2xMVP for U16 national league and was given the first-ever female player of the year award at the end of last season, for playing and for other commitments to the club e.g. coaching U14 girls who won the league, currently coaching U10 boys and table officiating for Blackhawks. I have been playing U18 National League basketball and playing for the women’s team since the start of this season, alongside college basketball.
What position do I play?
My coach has always played me in a variety of positions dependent on the 5 players on court. Ultimately, I enjoy playing point guard the most, bringing the ball up the court and beginning a motion on offence. I enjoy controlling the pace of the game and the playmaking side to the position – it is a creative role and you must vision the movement of players on court.
University basketball?
I hope to continue playing basketball at university. The relief of playing basketball, or any sport for that matter, alongside studies is immensely important. It gives us balance. I believe balance is essential to success as sport provides an outlet for stress and gives us a focus. Competing in sports also changes your mindset as it can be both frustrating and rewarding, similar to studying in a way.
Why should you play basketball at Woking College?
Basketball at Woking is incredibly beneficial. We train four times a week, including a gym session, which allows us to grow and develop as a team rapidly. As a result, we have all become closer through competing and pushing one another ahead of game day.
The coaches here are outstanding, with combined years of experience at the highest level, e.g. aspire (which is an England talent programme). They push us players and have the intention of bringing out the best in us, there’s not much more you could ask for truthfully.
Also, for any girls hoping to join the basketball team at Woking College. The women’s programme is rapidly developing, and, from experience, I highly recommend Woking College to play basketball alongside studying. Recently, Woking College entered the first women’s Woking College team into the AOC tournament, and we came runners-up to Farnborough with only 5 players!
Olly Thorpe
Featured Player
Hi, I’m Olly and I play for the Woking Blackhawks basketball academy here at Woking College.
Why did you choose basketball over other sports?
I played many sports growing up such as football and rugby however I always had a strong connection with basketball, growing up my house was full of basketball and rugby with my dad and brother playing both to a high standard. I started first with rugby, but it just wasn’t for me as I wasn’t really enjoying it fully as much as I did at home. I then started playing basketball at the age of 6 where I attended the Woking Blackhawks open under 10’s sessions. It was my brother who introduced me to the Blackhawks as he originally played for them, and I would always go and watch him. His coach would always encourage me to go to the open sessions to get a feel for organised basketball. I have been at Blackhawks since then and have grown through the system of basketball in England.
What position do I play?
I play the position of point guard, who basically controls the game and sets the play up on the court. I train 6-7 times a week including college basketball and club basketball with games at the weekend and college games on a Wednesday afternoon. Since playing from 6 years old I can definitely say this has been the year with the most opportunities with college and club as I am playing in 3 sometimes 4 leagues.
University basketball?
I have always aspired to go to university to study sports rehab or psychology, however, I am keeping my options open for other pathways into the sporting industry. If I do go to university, I will be trying out for the basketball team as basketball is a great way to balance my school life. I would like a career in the sports industry whether that is through basketball or not, but in my career, basketball will always be a massive part of it, whether that’s playing or working behind the scenes.
Do you watch NBA?
Growing up with English basketball, I never really watched the NBA, but I did watch a lot of the British basketball league watching the Surrey Scorchers, now Surrey 89’ers. More recently I have started following the NBA a little bit more with my favourite current player being Steph Curry but my all-time favourite player being Michael Jordan.
Why should you play basketball at Woking College?
Coming to the college has improved my basketball massively as I am training now more than ever with new players from many different teams. Having played for coach Brett previously has helped me adapt to the college team however new players have gelled very quickly and easily. Basketball has helped me in many ways including my health and social skills. I would highly recommend anyone to come to the college who plays basketball and wants to take it further as it is great to be coached by someone who has been through the academy system and wants to help us develop as players and people.
