IBA is part of the Next Level network — the evolved LSB Academies programme that has empowered 1,000+ student-athletes over 8+ years, partnering with top London colleges and opening more doors across the UK and worldwide for student-athlete progression.
General Academy Information
What is the Islington Basketball Academy?
The Islington Basketball Academy is part of the Next Level network — a full-time basketball + education programme for 16–19-year-olds. Players train daily while studying for recognised qualifications delivered by City & Islington College.
Who operates the academy?
Next Level is the evolution of the LSB Academies programme. We've empowered 1,000+ student-athletes over 8+ years with top college partners across London, and we're opening more doors in the UK and worldwide.
Where is the academy based?
At City & Islington College (Angel) with partner facilities nearby — all easy to access by Tube and bus.
What makes this academy different?
Daily elite coaching + S&C, personal development plans, and a three-tier performance ladder — Varsity, Junior Varsity, and Rising Stars — so every player trains and competes at the right level, with a clear route upward. Selection is earned, mobility is merit-based, and progress is tracked via PDP reviews and objective benchmarks across skill, game impact, athletic profile, and standards.
Who can apply?
All driven 16–19-year-olds. If you're performance-ready, Varsity/JV will stretch you against strong opposition. If you're building your game, Rising Stars provides a structured pathway to improve fundamentals, gain Basketball England coaching/refereeing qualifications, and develop transferable skills for non-playing roles in the basketball industry. Progression between tiers is open and merit-based.
Academics & Education
What can I study?
A-Levels and vocational options including BTEC Sport, Business, Media, IT and more — delivered by City & Islington College.
Are the qualifications recognised?
Yes — fully accredited and UCAS-recognised for UK universities and international progression.
How is the week structured?
Blended timetable: training blocks integrated around your classes so you can excel in both.
What academic support is available?
Subject teachers, learning mentors, revision clinics, and study-skills support with progress monitoring.
Can I choose sports-related courses?
Yes — e.g., BTEC Level 3 Sport for coaching, analysis, physio or sports management pathways.
What if I struggle academically?
Targeted support plans (tutoring, catch-up, structured study) aligned with your training schedule.
Where can I find out more about course options?
For full course details and subject options, visit the City & Islington College courses page.
Basketball Programme
How often do players train?
Up to 5 days per week: on-court skills, team concepts, S&C, video review and recovery.
Who are the coaches?
Basketball England-certified coaches from the Next Level system with scholarship/pro alumni.
Which competitions do you play?
AoC Leagues, Basketball England Academies League, Community Basketball League, International Tournaments, Showcase Tournaments.
Do I get an individual development plan?
Yes — personalised PDP with technical/tactical/physical goals and regular reviews.
Is there a gym/strength programme?
Yes — structured S&C for athleticism, durability and basketball-specific fitness.
Is there exposure to scouts/universities?
Yes — showcases, highlight content, and Next Level network links (UK, Europe, USA).
How are squads selected?
Selection is tier-based (Varsity/JV/Rising Stars) and earned through performance, attitude, attendance and team needs over time. Movement between tiers is merit-based and reviewed throughout the season.
What off-court support is there?
Leadership development, academic mentoring, and pathway guidance (UCAS/US/careers).
Squad Structure: Varsity • Junior Varsity • Rising Stars
How does the three-tier system work?
Players are placed into Varsity, Junior Varsity (JV), or Rising Stars based on ability, game impact, readiness and consistency. Tiers set the right competitive load and coaching focus. Movement between tiers is open and performance-led across the season.
Who typically plays Varsity?
Our top squad: consistent impact vs elite opposition, strong decision-making under pressure, defensive reliability, leadership standards, and physical readiness.
Who typically plays Junior Varsity?
Strong developers trending toward Varsity. JV refines game reads, strength and role execution at pace, with targeted exposure to higher intensity reps.
Who typically plays Rising Stars?
Emerging players building fundamentals, game understanding and conditioning. Emphasis on skill accumulation, habits and confidence through structured minutes.
How do players move up (or down)?
Through the PDP cycle (technical/tactical/physical/mental KPIs), training standards, game impact and coach evaluations. Reviews run continuously with formal checkpoints each block. Promotion is earned; temporary moves down may optimise development or support return from injury.
Do squads train separately?
Core sessions are tier-appropriate; we also run crossover sessions (JV↔Varsity, Rising Stars↔JV) to apply upward pressure and ease transitions.
Do tiers affect game minutes?
Minutes are earned. Within each tier, rotation reflects performance, role fit, practice standards and game plan.
What competitions do the tiers play?
Varsity prioritises top fixtures/showcases; JV competes in strong developmental fixtures; Rising Stars play targeted games for skill transfer and confidence. Friendlies are scheduled to accelerate promotion opportunities.
I'm new to organised basketball — can I still join?
Yes. Rising Stars is designed to onboard motivated athletes quickly. With consistent work, you can progress to JV and push for Varsity.
I'm returning from injury — where do I re-enter?
Typically via Rising Stars or JV for controlled load management, then upward as you hit return-to-play benchmarks.
How are PDP benchmarks set for each tier?
We set tier-specific KPIs (e.g., shooting volume/accuracy, turnover rate, defensive grade, conditioning). Targets scale by tier and position and are reviewed in your feedback meetings.
Training & Competition Schedule
What's a typical week?
4–5 training blocks + S&C + 1–2 fixtures (in-season), integrated around classes. Sessions are tier-appropriate (Varsity/JV/Rising Stars) with scheduled crossover for challenge reps.
When is the season?
League fixtures run Sept/Oct–Mar/Apr, with pre-season and post-season development blocks.
Do you train in holidays?
Selected holiday sessions and development blocks may run; dates are issued on the term calendar.
How are sessions structured?
Mobility → skill blocks → team concepts/situations → competitive reps → recovery.
How is game travel arranged?
Group travel is coordinated for away fixtures; details are shared in advance.
Admissions & Trials
How do I apply?
Fill out the application at london-basketball.com/iba-apply. Shortlisted players will be contacted with trial and enrolment details.
When are trials?
October, February, April, and May. Exact dates are announced on our website and social channels.
What happens at a trial?
Skills, athletic tests and scrimmages to assess ability, decisions, competitiveness and coachability.
Is there a trial fee?
No — trials are free but require pre-registration.
What should I bring?
Training kit, water, any medical items; bring a ball if you have one.
What level do I need?
Club/school experience preferred; attitude and potential matter. Beginners with clear upside considered.
How will I be notified?
Offer email with next steps, course enrolment, and pre-season requirements.
Fees & Funding
Is there a cost for the programme?
The programme is FREE for all 16-19 year old UK based students. There is no cost to pay for this academy.
Is financial support available?
Eligible students may access college bursaries; guidance is provided during enrolment.
Can I get sponsorship?
Yes — we can provide a profile pack to support your personal sponsorship outreach.
Uniform & Equipment
What kit do players receive?
All players who make one of the teams receive game uniform, practice gear and warm-ups for free (final list confirmed each season).
Do I need to buy my own kit?
No — kit is provided free for all players. Replacements and extras are available via our supplier portal if needed.
Do I need my own basketball?
Recommended for extra reps; team balls provided for sessions.
Are shoes/accessories provided?
Players supply their own footwear and accessories unless stated.
Travel & Logistics
Where do you train and play?
College and partner gyms in North London; fixtures are home/away across London and beyond.
Is transport provided?
Group travel is arranged for most away fixtures; specifics vary by opponent/date.
How do I get to daily sessions?
All sites are close to Tube/bus routes; maps provided at induction.
Is accommodation available?
We do not provide housing. Students are responsible for their own accommodation arrangements.
Health, Fitness & Welfare
Is there physio/medical support?
Qualified first aid at training/games; partner physio referrals where appropriate.
What if I'm injured?
Report immediately; we'll set an assessment, rehab plan and adjusted training.
Do I need insurance?
Personal sports insurance is recommended; competition cover is outlined pre-season.
Is mental-health support available?
Yes — college wellbeing services and signposting to external support.
Do you provide nutrition guidance?
Yes — practical performance nutrition aligned with training load and fixtures.
Coaching & Staff
Who leads the programme?
Head Coach with assistants/specialists and S&C oversight.
What qualifications do coaches hold?
Basketball England certifications, safeguarding and first aid; many with elite experience.
How much 1-to-1 coaching is there?
Built into the PDP cycle, with extra shots and position-specific work by plan.
Do guest coaches visit?
Yes — clinics, masterclasses and pro/college guests when scheduled.
Player Development & Pathways
What are the progression routes?
UK university hoops, US colleges, US prep schools, European academies, NBL/British pathways, British Championship Basketball League, coaching/officiating.
Do alumni progress?
Yes — our Next Level alumni move into university, scholarships and pro pathways.
Can I get highlights and stats?
Yes — content capture support and guidance for recruitment-ready profiles.
Are there leadership opportunities?
Yes — player leadership groups, community coaching and officiating pathways are available.
Media & Promotion
Are games filmed/streamed?
Select fixtures are filmed/streamed; releases announced per game.
Can I access my footage?
Yes — via our content portal or by request after scheduled releases.
Can I post academy content?
Yes — credit the academy; brand guidelines provided.
Can parents attend or watch?
Parents are not allowed to watch AoC league games due to safeguarding rules at schools and colleges, but are free to attend tournaments and showcases. Streaming availability is announced per game.
Parents & Support
How do parents stay updated?
Email/WhatsApp team comms and a shared schedule hub; weekly fixture notes in-season.
Who do I contact?
Basketball → coaching staff; academics → college tutors/support desk (contacts at induction).
Is there an induction evening?
Yes — covering schedules, expectations, safeguarding and support routes.
Are consent forms required?
Yes — medical, media and trips forms are issued at the start of the year.
Important Dates
When does the academic year run?
September to May/June, following the City & Islington College calendar.
When are main trials?
October, February, April, and May. Check our website for specific dates.
When are pre-season and main season?
Pre-season late summer; league season autumn-spring; post-season development in spring/summer.
Do you run off-season training?
Yes — development blocks and select camps, announced in advance.
International & Transfer Students
Can international students join?
Yes — subject to UK study eligibility. We provide confirmations to support applications.
Do you help with visas/housing?
We do not provide visa help or housing for international students. Students are responsible for their own visa applications and accommodation arrangements.
Can I transfer mid-year?
Case-by-case, depending on academic/league rules and squad capacity.
How can overseas players trial?
Video assessments + references; in-person trial arranged where possible.
Admin & Contacts
How do I contact the academy?
For trials/applications, use the application form. For general enquiries, visit london-basketball.com/contact-us.
Who handles academic queries?
City & Islington College tutors/support desk; named contacts shared at induction.
Where are updates posted?
Team comms, website news feed, and official social channels.
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Next Level Academies are dedicated to the comprehensive development of ambitious student-athletes. Combining elite coaching, top-level facilities, and a wide variety of academic courses that prepare players for higher education or employment, our academies foster an environment where potential is realised and refined and supported through to your 'Next Level'.
