London United has the privilege to announce a long-term partnership with Movistar Estudiantes Madrid. After several weeks of intense negotiations both sides have agreed on a partnership which will include Estudiantes providing the Head Coach and full access to their training methods for the newly established London United Basketball Academy programme based at Northolt High School. In addition to providing the Head Coach, our academy will benefit from frequent visits from the Director of Development of Movistar Estudiantes among other coaching staff who will play a very active role in the design and delivery of our programme. Student athletes enrolled on the programme will follow a punishing competition schedule which includes U18 National League, U19 ABL, U17 European Youth Basketball League and NBL Senior Men’s Division three competitions.
Movistar Estudiantes Madrid has played an absolutely crucial role in the history of Spanish basketball as one of the founding teams of top tier basketball in Spain. Movistar Estudiantes are in a unique position in that they are only one of three teams to have always competed in the top division of Spanish Basketball a record that only Real Madrid and Juventut Badalona share.
Movistar Estudiantes has its roots in student athletic programmes originating from the Ramiro de Maeztu Institute. Estudiantes have an outstanding tradition of developing and nurturing young talent into major stars which have graced their presence in the top European leagues and the NBA. Among the plethora of international stars who have launched their stellar careers at Estudiantes are; Alberto Herreros, Alfonso Reyes, Felipe Reyes, Carlos Jimenez, Sergio Rodriguez and Juan Hermangomez. However, perhaps the true scale of Estudiantes’ development programme is best illustrated by the fact that they boast over 2000 young players participating in various junior competitions.
Director of Youth Development at Movistar Estudiantes, Inigo de la Villa explained reasons behind their partnership with London United stating:
“As Movistar Estudiantes, we have a pride and a responsibility to be able to continue to grow and promote basketball. Our philosophy is to develop young talent and allow them to fulfill or surpass their potential. We constantly are looking for creative ways to promote our brand and philosophy. We see the UK as a strategic market full of natural talent. Our new long term partnership with London United provides an international impulse for our project and broaden our reach to recruit and develop young players. We are delighted to work on this project with London United, as this is an organisation with whom we share common values.”
Emma Chambers, Director of London United stated:
“We are excited to work with an organisation with such a proven track record in developing young players and a history of student athletic programmes. This innovative collaboration allows us to benefit from the renowned coaching traditions and practices of Movistar Estudiantes and ensure quality coaching and provision is at the heart of our organisation through the inclusion of their coaching staff within our academy programme.
Throughout the history of our organisation we have always remained focused on the development of talent and providing opportunities, experience and exposure for the next aspiring generation of athletes. This partnership is an amazing opportunity for both our organisation and the young players on our programmes to have access to such a leading established institution with a tradition in nurturing young individuals and developing them into successful professional athletes. “
For further details of our Sporting Excellence Academy proggramme please click here or contact Jack Majewski on 07881 871 251 or gm@londonunited.eu