Teesside Lions Basketball Club is proving to be a huge attraction for sports enthusiasts around the region with youngsters travelling far and wide to learn and play for the team.
In fact the club attract a number of players from Sedgefield, Seaham, Richmond, Bedale, Leaming and even Whitby, such is the growing reputation for excellence and development at the Lions.
The three 16 year old boys from Whitby have shown true dedication and when they first joined, they travelled an hour and fifteen minutes on the bus and then took a taxi to the training base at Queens Campus in Stockton.
The monumental effort in both directions is a credit to the desire and enthusiasm of the three boys and also testament to the value they place on the quality of training at the club.
James Thomson, Head Coach of Teesside Lions, said: “When I first had contact from the Whitby lads, we of course welcomed them, but I wasn’t sure of whether they would commit, due to the amount of travel involved. I must say I am impressed by their dedication.
“They are attending upwards of two sessions per week and are improving all the time. They also attended the Summer Camps and Ben Fox earned the Most Improved Player award.”
Ben is joined by Tom Guan and Max Galloway and all three play on the Lions U16 and Lions B teams. The B team play in the Durham Basketball League and is the club’s developmental team.
Coach Thomson added: “It makes me proud to see such commitment, not only from these boys but all of the kids at the club. We are providing a platform with up to four sessions per week and they are lapping it up. To become an elite athlete, we are told we need to dedicate ten hours per week to the sport and Lions are providing this opportunity.
“I have to also thank the parents who are so supportive. I think they can see some of the older players within the club and how they have developed to a very high standard and they seem to have bought in to what we are striving for. It’s great when things are working well.
“A good example of a player who has developed very well is Aaron Brotherston, 17 from Bedale, who joined the club about ten months ago. He was raw and it generally takes up to six months to develop a player to a decent level and understanding. Aaron, who earned the Most Improved Player of the season, is now providing inspiration to other players climbing the ladder.”
The club have a strong membership of around 75 players with a core emphasis on development of young players. The majority are based within the Teesside area and attend sessions Stockton and Middlesbrough. New comers are more than welcome.
For further information contact the club on 01642 814221 or email info@teessidelions.com You can also keep up to date via Teesside Lions facebook page.