Founded in 2016, the John Roan Basketball Academy has rapidly grown and currently boasts both male and female teams.

By joining the John Roan Basketball Academy, sixth-form students gain access to a range of benefits and opportunities, including:

• 27 on-court practice hours with a professional coach, allowing students to enhance their skills and develop as athletes.

• Free gym access with personalized gym plans, promoting physical fitness and overall well-being.

• Specialist basketball mentoring, providing guidance and support tailored to each student's individual needs.

• Access to the Greenwich University Scholarship Programme, opening doors to higher education opportunities.

• A national league development pathway, enabling students to compete at a higher level and showcase their talents.

• Links to AAU competitions, offering exposure to national and international basketball opportunities.

• USA development pathways support, assisting students in pursuing basketball opportunities in the United States.

• Access to elite-level coaching and career development advice, helping students excel in both their athletic and academic journeys.

Our dedicated coach, Courtney Van-Beest, is an ex-professional basketball player who has been an integral part of the John Roan Basketball Academy since its inception in 2017. With a wealth of basketball experience playing in the United States, Europe, and top universities in the UK, Coach Courtney is committed to supporting young athletes on their basketball and educational journeys.

Testimonials from our Basketball Academy students showcase the positive impact of the programme:

"Attending The John Roan Basketball Academy has been an amazing experience. The Academy has enabled me to build up my confidence on and off the court and prepare me for the next level of basketball, which is at preparatory school. I hope to help me land a scholarship to a top US college soon. The John Roan is the kind of environment that can help you improve if you're ready to put the work in. The staff support us on our journey to becoming great students and athletes, and this is evident both on court and off."

Samuel, Basketball Academy student

"The Basketball Academy has been a resounding success and is a testament to what can be achieved with willing partners who place emphasis on the development of children. We could not have found a better partner and look forward to continued success. The number of applications received for the basketball academy has increased every year, and we are currently working on launching the first-ever girls' basketball academy in Greenwich, which is extremely exciting as we continue to create additional pathways."

Ashley Thomas, Greenwich Titans Basketball Club Chairman