LONDON CAVALIERS LAUNCH FULL-TIME BASKETBALL ACADEMY
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LaSWAP SIXTH FORM
INTRODUCTION
London Cavaliers are proud to announce the launch of the London Cavaliers Academy at LaSWAP Sixth Form, a new full-time post-16 basketball and education programme for ambitious male and female student-athletes aged 16–18.
Delivered in partnership with the LaSWAP Sixth Form Consortium — made up of William Ellis School, Acland Burghley School, Parliament Hill School, and La Sainte Union Catholic School — the Academy will provide players with the opportunity to combine A Level or Level 3 BTEC study with a daily high-performance basketball environment.
The launch follows a breakthrough 2025–26 season for the London Cavaliers, with the club’s junior programme making an immediate impact in National League Premier competition. The Cavaliers U16 Premier team has progressed to the National Final 4, competing for a National Championship, while the U18 and U14 Premier teams have both reached the National Sweet 16, certifying the program as one of the top performing clubs across the whole country.
The new Academy creates a clear progression route for players moving beyond the U16 age group into full-time post-16 development, working with the Cavaliers performance coaches on a daily basis, while also opening the pathway to talented players from across London who are ready to commit to a serious basketball and academic programme.
A HIGH-PERFORMANCE ENVIRONMENT
Academy players will train within a structured daily programme focused on technical development, tactical understanding, strength and conditioning, film study, performance analysis and competitive preparation.
The programme has been designed to support players who want to progress into elite U18 basketball, senior National League competition, university basketball, European opportunities and, for the most committed athletes, higher-level professional environments.
The Academy will also provide access to a strong competition pathway, including:
- European Youth Basketball League competition (EYBL)
- Selected European and international tournaments
- U18 National League Premier and Conference
- Academy team entry into Men’s National League
- Progression into the London Cavaliers senior men’s and women’s programmes
The Cavaliers senior men compete in the British Basketball Championship, while the women’s programme includes the current National League Division 1 Champions, aligned U18 and U16 National League teams, and a Division 2 development pathway.
This gives Academy players a direct, performance-based route into every progression pathway relevant to aspiring British basketball players with plans of playing at a higher level.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE THROUGH LaSWAP
Alongside basketball, student-athletes will benefit from LaSWAP’s established academic provision, including a broad A-Level curriculum, BTEC Level 3 provision and access to high-quality teaching and support facilities across four partner schools, with strong university progression pathways.
For those looking for a vocational sports pathways, the academy also provides Sports Education & Training at the Talacre Campus where you'll benefit from NGB Coaching qualifications, sports development and coaching experience with support through to employment opportunities in the sports sector.
The Academy has been built around a simple principle: serious basketball development must sit alongside serious academic ambition.
Players will be expected to uphold high standards in the classroom, on the court and within the wider school community.
LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVE
Izzy JonesHeadteacher, William Ellis School
“We are delighted to be part of a partnership that brings together high-level sport and academic ambition in a structured and meaningful way. Through LaSWAP, students benefit from a broad A Level curriculum alongside an environment that supports their wider development and aspirations. This collaboration reflects our commitment to helping students succeed across both education and sport.”
Nhamo ShireLSB CEO, London Cavaliers Director
“We’ve been building towards this for several years — creating an environment that brings together daily training, high-level coaching, experienced mentorship and proven know-how alongside the right competitive exposure, and strong academic provision all in one place. This season, our U16 group has progressed to the National Final 4 and is currently competing with the top teams in the country for a National Championship. The next step is to give those players — and others across our programme — the opportunity to train every day, compete internationally, and continue their progression within a high-performance environment. This Academy is the natural continuation of that journey.”
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
Applications for the 2026–27 London Cavaliers Academy at LaSWAP are now open to male and female student-athletes aged 16–18.
The programme is suitable for committed players who want to combine academic study with a high-performance basketball pathway connected to National League, senior club, EYBL and wider international competition opportunities.
Parents and players interested in finding out more can now register their interest.
Register your interest today: TRIAL REGISTRATION
LONDON CAVALIERS ACADEMY IS OPEN TO BOYS & GIRLS AGED 16-18
CAVALIERS QUICK LINKS
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
The London Cavaliers are a purpose-driven basketball club offering a complete development pathway from grassroots through to elite-level competition. With teams ranging from U10 to Senior Men’s and Women’s National League squads, the Cavaliers combine high-performance standards with a strong community ethos to deliver London’s most comprehensive 'player first' basketball programme — empowering the next generation of players to thrive and excel both on and off the court.
