Basketball Academy puts Bedford on the map Bedford News

The academy, established last September and led by coach Enrique Alonso, attracts talented 16 and 18 year olds from across the county.

Its 25 students are boys and girls who have enrolled in both an intensive daily training program and a commitment to their university studies.

They train from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. each morning, and many dedicate an hour or more each day while playing regional games on the weekends. All students follow a range of qualifications at Bedford Academy.

So far, several students have participated in the U18 Men’s National League and have performed well in the East of England Division matches.

“A lot of students who come here have played for their home team but haven’t had the training to take the sport to the next level,” Enrique said. “They come by bus from as far away as Cranfield and Oakley to train with us first thing in the morning. We develop their strength, skills and experience in sport. We are one of the few basketball academies in the area and our goal is to make Bedford basketball proud.

Enrique, who produces a personalized training plan for each student, was delighted his players finished the season mid-table in the domestic league in March. He hopes to get them into the Academy Basketball League (ABL) for 30 school and college teams across the country next season.

Bedford Academy has invested £25,000 in a new sports hall for students at the academy and the rest of the school. Bedford Academy head Chris Deller said the Basketball Academy is part of the school’s intention to become a center of excellence for the sport over the next few years.

“We are so proud of our Basketball Academy – they combine a dedication to the sport with a commitment to sixth form education,” he said. “They are a credit to our community and to HEART Academies Trust, our extended family of schools.”