Basketball Academy teams up with Georgia Gayle

@barnsleycollege Basketball Academy teams up with Georgia Gayle @gbbasketball

Barnsley Sports Academy has teamed up with professional basketball player, Georgia Gayle, to develop its Basketball Academy.

Georgia, who most recently played professionally in Spain, carries a wealth of experience after captaining the Great Britain national team, as well as studying in the USA on a basketball scholarship at The University of Central Florida and Northwest Florida State College. She will provide young basketball players with an excellent opportunity to combine education and basketball.

Georgia said: “I have always aspired to become a basketball coach. Playing basketball for the majority of my life has given me so many opportunities and experiences that I realised I wanted to be able to give to others too. Barnsley College is a top college for education, which has always been a priority for me, and the high calibre of sporting facilities really drew me in. So, when the job became available, I knew that it would be a great fit for me to pass on my knowledge and help to build a top basketball academy in the north of England.

“I’m wanting to help develop students both on and off the court, and also to help grow the programme and eventually compete in the top school league. I want to see progression each year, in terms of winning games and increasing numbers at the academy. Another aim is to create a girls’ side to the academy in the coming years to help grow girls’ basketball in the area. My experiences of playing in different countries and for the Great British national team means I can pass on my knowledge to help the players get better every day.”

Luke Forgione, Performance and Athlete Development Co-ordinator at the College, added: “We are extremely pleased that Georgia has agreed to work with us. Her knowledge and expertise, as well as contacts in the UK and overseas, will create opportunities for our students who will be able to gain valuable experience and learn from her knowledge of the professional game, while gaining match day experience and regular support through College games.”

Barnsley Sports Academy offers fantastic facilities and a team of expert and specialist coaches supporting talented sports performers in any discipline. Academies include Football, Esports, Rugby, Netball, Basketball, Refereeing and Individual Athlete Academy.