Academy opens for sport stars; H'pool Heat.

THE LAUNCH of the region's newest basketball academy has been announced.

Working in partnership, Hartlepool HEAT Basketball Club and Hartlepool College of Further Education want to offer support and guidance to 16-19 years olds who want to combine sport with education.

The College has highlighted its commitment to sport and specifically basketball with the formation of the new academy.

The academy is offered to new and current HCFE students that are studying on any full time course at the college.

Successful academy trialists will gain access to up to 11 hours of high quality basketball coaching from Head Coach, and current England Under-16 girls' coach, Lee Davie.

Academy players will also compete locally, regionally and nationally in basketball competitions on a weekly basis.

To offer academy athletes the elite treatment that they deserve, support will be offered in the form of advice on nutrition, strength and conditioning training, sports injury rehabilitation and sports massage treatments to make sure athletes reach their optimum level of performance while completing their studies.

Anthony Robinson, Hartlepool HEAT Senior Men and Junior boys Head Coach said: "This is a unique and fantastic opportunity for any aspiring basketball players wanting to further their development as well as remaining in full time education.

"This is truly an opportunity not to be missed and can only strengthen the links between education, health and sport as well as the club and college.

"By working together the FE and Hartlepool HEAT can surely put Hartlepool on the basketball map over the next few years."

For more information, contact any of the sports team at HCFE on 01429 295111 or email [e-mail], or visit www.hartlepoolfe.ac.uk or www.HartlepoolHEAT.com.