A deputy headteacher and former professional athlete will help launch a new basketball academy for his school’s sixth form students.
Paul Castle, deputy head at Raynes Park High School, is a former professional basketball player, who appeared for Brixton Topcats.
He is using his sporting connections to help open the new academy, set to start in September, that will allow students to study A-level courses while training and competing in a national basketball league.
The school’s aim is to help students to progress to higher education on a basketball scholarship, either in the UK or internationally.
Tony Grant, a former professional basketball player and qualified coach, will be the academy trainer.
London 2012 competitor and current Team GB star Andy Lawrence has endorsed the academy, as has his father, Renaldo Lawrence, a former NBA professional.
Two professional teams, Surrey Heat and Brixton Topcats, are supporting and partnering the new academy.
The open evening for the academy is on June 18 at 7pm, with trials running on June 22 and June 29.
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