Celebrations on the Court: Inspiration Trust Basketball Academy Team Heads into Second Half of the Season with Eager Anticipation

The Inspiration Trust proudly presents the inaugural sixth form basketball team, which represents the Trust in the Association of Colleges (AoC) - East division. Making up the team are student-athletes from Sir Isaac Newton, Jane Austen College, and Thomas Paine Sixth Forms.  

The Inspiration Trust Basketball Academy (ITA) was launched in 2023 and aims to provide a first-class basketball programme that runs alongside outstanding academic education to young adults aged 16 to 18, encouraging them to set their aspirations high and supporting them to reach their goals.  

The 10-strong team has been training hard and is already proving to be a formidable force against their rival teams.  

Results to date: 

In the season opener the Inspiration Trust Basketball Academy (ITA) were heavily defeated by Hills Road. The ITA players showed great ‘bounce back-ability' with a narrow win against Norfolk rivals - East Norfolk Sixth Form College. Onto the rematch against Hills Road in the National Cup. This was a much closer game, but the Trust team fell short by 7 points. The two early losses provided valuable learning opportunities and after some video analysis the team were ready to compete against the next opponent. 

The schedule had the team playing against Peterborough College Pumas, who were sitting at top of the league, being undefeated in their first 3 games. After a two-hour journey and walking into an intimidating environment, we found ourselves down after an early 3-pointer from the opposition. Unphased, Reuben answered back with 2 consecutive 3-pointers. This sparked the rest of the team into action, playing some excellent team basketball, going into halftime with a 10-point advantage.  

Again, the Pumas came out and got the first basket in the second half. However, the ITA team quickly huddled together to formulate a response, switching up the defence and moving the ball to the open man on offence. It was an incredible team performance, with outstanding contributions from Reuben & Felix, and Ayo & Jack splitting the best teammate honours. Captained by Max, who led by example on and off the court, showing great character by bringing the team together in times of adversity. 

The team has come a long way in a short amount of time with team camaraderie at an all-time high. In addition to this, the student athletes are consistently demonstrating sporting values such as; resilience, determination, courage & integrity.  

Coach Wilkinson has been a real asset to the squad; focusing on small group individual sessions and video analysis as well as being responsible for developing the culture of the team. Not only has this been noted in significant improvements in individual performances (Lachlan, Theo) but is also reflected in mid-season achievements such as; best attitude award being split between Ayo & Jack and current MVP being Joseph. The second half of the season looks promising with the players inspired to raise their game to the next level.  

Upcoming fixtures: 

The Academy plans to extend its offer to an all-female team from September 2024. Find out more about joining the Inspiration Trust Basketball Academy here: inspirationtrust.org/basketball-academy or to discuss your options, please contact our Head Coach, Paul Wayman via sport@inspirationtrust.org.