The Angmering Specialist Sports and Science School are highlighting their dominance by starting a Basketball Performance Academy this September.

The Academy offers young talented and committed sports players the opportunity to develop their skills, playing potential and coaching knowledge alongside their academic and vocational studies. Angmering have reached 15 national finals and currently have four players away on USA scholarships.

Under the control of Rob Newson, their assistant coach, Thunder have created a well-run and successful junior programme. With this already in place, the community development is one of the main focal points to the club's upcoming season.

Thunder director Frank Gainsbury commented: "We are delighted to be working so closely with such a successful basketball programme as the Angmering School provides. We felt it was a good opportunity for us and the school to work together bringing some of the elite players in the area through the ranks of the club."

Those who attend the Academy will train alongside their studies. The course offers specific fitness training programmes, conditioning training, sports psychology sessions, as well as competing in the Sussex Youth League and National Schools competitions. Academy students will also get the opportunity to gain coaching, first aid and CSLA qualifications.

Thunder player and director of community coaching Daniel Hildreth will be head coach of the Academy. He said: "I am really excited to be involved with the new Academy. At 16, I joined the sixth form at Angmering off the back of its basketball reputation and was lucky enough to play in a National Final. I have been involved in coaching at the school for 15 years but feel the Academy will help generate even more success to the school."

Selected players will have the opportunity to practice and be involved with the Thunder senior team at Worthing. Hildreth declared: "It's a great opportunity for the young talent to get to see how things are done at the top level."

For enquiries about the Academy intake, contact Dave Yates at the school on 01903 778363 for further details.

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