Solent Stars - Basketball Academy

England Basketball's Academy accreditation scheme was launched in 2004 and Southampton Solent University, in partnership with Solent Stars basketball club took up this opportunity - the first Higher Education establishment to do so.

Steve Darlow - England Basketball's National Academies Officer - commented “I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to Southampton Solent University on achieving England Basketball Academy status. Here is another excellent opportunity for young people to continue their education, whilst still playing basketball at the highest level in the country. Southampton Solent University is now recognised by England Basketball as an asset in the future development of the Basketball / Education partnership. They should be proud of all their hard work.”

Phil Green, Head of Recreation and Sport at Southampton Institute stated “This recognition from England Basketball is the culmination of many years of hard work in promoting the sport within both the local area and the HE Sector. We are delighted that we now have the opportunity to work with our partners in establishing Southampton Solent University as a premier player in BUSA Basketball, as well as developing the South Hants region into a major force. We are committed to working with Solent Stars in their desire to return to the highest echelons of basketball in this country.

With the backing of England Basketball we are confident that we can continue to develop and deliver a program that will cater for the needs of high-class players whilst enabling them to pursue academic ambition. The accreditation provides a further boost to the Institute's sporting achievements in recent years, and confirms our growing status as a major provider of sport.”

Jim Rumsey, Director of Solent Stars: “The Solent Stars Basketball club is honoured, that it has been recognised, in conjunction with Southampton Solent University, by England Basketball as only the second Basketball Academy in the country. The club, now entering its twenty fifth season in the National League, has already received 4 Star Club Accreditation and a Clubmark award. The efforts of all the coaches and administrators of the club have combined to make ths club with its strong youth programme and four senior teams a worthy recipient of the Academy status. We look forward to continuing our strong links with Southampton Solent University to provide top level training for top level basketball players.”