University backs basketball club 's schools programme

Aston University has pledged its support to a schools basketball programme delivered by the City of Birmingham Rockets Basketball Club.

The university has been announced as headline sponsors for the Rockets ' Secondary School Community Programme.

The programme provides basketball opportunities for children in school years nine to 11.

Through the partnership, the Nechells-headquartered Rockets hope to be able to expand their offering to more young people across Birmingham.

Mark Smith, executive director of Business and Regional Engagement at Aston University, said: “Basketball in the UK is a growing sport, one in which over 1m young people take part each week.

“City of Birmingham Rockets are reaching the young people of the city and helping them realise their potential through engaging with the sport.

“As a university that likes to unlock potential, we are proud to be supporting them. ”

The Rockets formed in 2003 with a mission to provide a pathway for young people from Birmingham and surrounding areas to play basketball.

As well as having men 's and women 's senior teams in the National Basketball League, the club engages more than 1,400 young people every week through a series of elite performance, community outreach and schools programmes.

The Rockets ' youth programme has produced several professional players including Great Britain international Kofi Josephs and 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Myles Hesson.

Rockets CEO, Robert Palmer, said: “This is a very exciting time for the club and we are very pleased to have the support of Aston University in our growing Community Programme.

“The club will work together with Aston University in several areas, utilising expertise to ensure the sustainability of the club in the long-term whilst developing our Schools Community Programme in the short-term. ”