Reading University Basketball Club is supported by English Basketball League champions Reading Rockets in delivering a basketball programme that enables players to fulfil their potential.

Reading Rockets went undefeated throughout season 2008-09, winning the Division One title, National Trophy and National Cup. Reading University basketball scholars, Dan McKay and Simon Kearney were instrumental players and Rockets captain, Rich Wellings, is a Reading graduate.

The University team emulated the Rockets finishing top of their league with a 10-0 record. Dave Titmus, who coached both the University and the Rockets, said: “We see our links with the University growing even stronger after the success that both teams have enjoyed. It was a pleasure for me to coach the University team to an unbeaten season and in particular to be working with students Dan and Simon”.

The partnership

The University and Rockets partnership provides:

• Individual and team coaching from the Reading Rockets performance coach. Team training is based around Reading Rockets team training schedule so players play for both the University and the Reading Rockets national league programme
• Personalised strength and conditioning programmes in the University’s VO₂ Fitness Studio. All Reading Rockets first team players also train in the VO₂ Fitness Studio
• Three levels of Basketball Scholarships:
  • Level 1 – up to £2,000 plus VO₂ membership (free gym & classes) for students selected for Reading Rockets men’s 1^st team
  • Level 2 – up to £500 plus VO₂ membership  for students selected for Reading Rockets men’s 2^nd team (National League Div 4)
  • Academy – free off-peak VO₂ membership  for students selected for Reading University Basketball Club men’s 1^st team.

The clubs

Reading Rockets is one of the biggest clubs in England and has gained Sports England’s kite mark “ClubMark” and England Basketball’s 5-star accreditation. The senior men’s team plays its home games at the Rivermead Leisure Complex in Reading and comprises players with experience of the USA game, Europe and of national senior divisions coupled to talented and developing young players.

Reading University currently has three teams. The men’s 1^st have won the BUCS regional league undefeated for last two seasons. They are now in south eastern conference division 1 and will be aiming for promotion into the premier division.

Support

To be part of the exciting Reading University basketball programme you have to first meet the academic requirements for your course of study at the University; no academic concessions are made to basketball players. Once accepted you will be supported both academically and sportingly throughout your time at the University. Our aim is to provide a challenging and competitive environment that develops abilities, confidence and self-awareness leading to success in the sporting arena and beyond.