Basketball Academy
The academy provides a two-year, structured program including; coaching, on-site strength and conditioning and physiotherapy, sport science and video analysis to enable players to maximise their talent and develop towards an elite level.
We emphasise skills development and teaching players how to read the game. Players are taught multiple systems to help them succeed with their next team whether its in the USA, Europe or the UK. We also provide opportunities to travel and compete internationally (USA and EYBL), experiencing different cultures and styles of basketball.
Performance Program
Each week student athletes balance their academic and basketball commitments. Players will train each day. There will also be opportunities to gain coaching and officiating qualifications.
Weekly Schedule
3 Academy League Practices
2 National League Practices
2 Strength and Conditioning Sessions
2-4 Individual Skills Sessions
1 Classroom/Video/Scout session
1-2 Academy Games
1-2 National League Games
Honours
Academies Basketball League (ABL) Sweet 16: 2017, 2018, 2000
Academies Basketball League (ABL) Final 4’s: 2016
College Basketball League (CBL) Play-offs: 2023
Basketball England U18 Conference Champions: 2022
Basketball England Division 3 Men’s Play-offs: 2023, 2024
European Youth Basketball League (EYBL) Stage 1 runners-up: 2024
Our Link with Kent Crusaders
The partnership we have with Northfleet is an integral part of everything we do at Crusaders. While this is primarily through the delivery of a 16-19 basketball academy, it also extends across a wide range of community programmes and junior teams supported by Northfleet and their coaches.
The sixth form academy is something we are very proud of a club. Northfleet are able to offer young people in the programme a high quality, performance environment where they can combine their studies with receiving professional coaching and support from a highly qualified and experienced staff of specialists.
The partnership also allows us to offer a senior men's team competing in the National Basketball League, which includes a number of Northfleet current players and alumni, as well as multiple junior national league teams. Adam Davies, Kent Crusaders
Coaches
Meet the team behind our teams. Academy Director Martin Parry founded the academy in 2009, establishing it as one of the premier academies in SE London&Kent. Our CBL & Div 3 coach Ciarán Dunne joined back in 2020, having coached junior international, EABL and men’s Div 1 teams. Rob Newson returned in 2022 having coached professionally in Europe and Asia as well as running operations for the NBA in Asia. Harry Earley joined the coaching staff in 2022, Harry is a former Northfleet student and was a standout player. Harry has already led our AOC and under 16 NBL team. Our S&C coach Dom Ives, runs Ives Fitness and is a former BBL & Div 1 player. Rolandas Mizgeris is our Sports Therapist, Rolandas has an MSc in Osteopathy.
Alumni
Sam Lane
'My time at Northfleet Basketball Academy was instrumental in my development as both a player and an individual. The program provided me with an opportunity to develop on all aspects of the game, while the time spent in the weight room allowed me to build the strength and conditioning necessary to compete with the top U19 players in the country. The structure of the academy was designed to translate seamlessly into a university program, equipping me with the discipline to handle a high training load while pursuing my degree. Coach Parry played a pivotal role in creating a positive and supportive culture, pushing everyone to strive for excellence both on and off the court. As a result, I left Northfleet not only as a better player but as a better person, with invaluable lessons that have helped shape my future today.'
South-East England
Loughborough Riders
Manchester Giants (BBL)
Castanea Basket (Serie C)
BUCS National finalist in 2014.
Dan Akin
'The 2 years I was at Northfleet was very pivotal and impactful for me as a player and growing as a man.
Northfleet was my first encounter with playing basketball multiple times a week, this was a game changer for me as I was able to develop and grow my understanding of the game at a quicker rate. The collaboration of the individual workouts with the coaches and daily training helped me to become a better player and resulted in my first England call-up. The mentorship from coaches Parry and Rob where key as they they inspire you to be better players, students and most importantly men outside of the court. Northfleet was a great platform for me to transition into a high level professional player, as I trained like one during my time at the academy.'
University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC)
California Baptist University (CBU)
Utah State University
Strasbourg (LNB Pro A/Champions league)
Scafati Basket (Serie A)
GB U18’s/U20’s/Senior men
UMBC All rookie team, 2 x NCAA tournament Appearances, Utah state sixth man of the year. 1k NCAA points
Joshua Moore
'As a homegrown player, first playing basketball in year 10 to my two years in the academy was instrumental for my development both on and off the basketball court. Having full access to top level facilities and competing against the best U19 players in the country gave me the tools needed to take my game to the next level. From representing the South East region to playing for a professional club in the country’s top division, all circles back to invaluable time spent at Northfleet Academy.'
Essex Rebels NBL 1
Newcastle NBL1
Newcastle Eagles
ABL All First Team, NBL 1 Team of the Week, NBL Player of the Week
Playing Opportunities
