If you're serious about basketball and serious about your future, the Elite Basketball Academy is built for you.
You’ll train at an elite level whilst completing a full timetable of academic study – all built into the College day.
Since launching in 2021, the Academy has grown into one of the most competitive college basketball programmes in the country. We now compete in the EABL and WEABL – the highest college leagues in England – with titles to match.
Men's Academy
College Basketball League (CBL) 1 North: League Champions 2025 and 2026
CBL Playoffs: 3rd Place Nationally 2025, 2nd Place 2026
Dynamik U17 National Cup 2026: Champions
AoC National Champions 2026
Women's Academy
AoC National Champions 2025
Dynamik U17 National Cup 2026: Champions
International-level coaching and support
The Academy is led by Paul Cantwell, a professional basketball coach with experience at the highest levels of the game. You’ll be coached by a team of high-level coaches throughout your time at College. Every competitive match is captured with full data and video analysis – including highlight reels and detailed statistics – so you can see exactly where you’re improving.
The programme also includes strength and conditioning sessions, plus access to private physiotherapy at reduced rates.
Elite Basketball Academy Coach
Paul Cantwell
“I’m a Level 3 Basketball coach. I formerly played professionally and now coach at professional level. I’ve been a head coach in America and have coached at the highest level in the UK in the BBL for the former Manchester Giants. At Xaverian, we’ve been building our Men’s and Women’s Basketball Academy over the past four years. We’re now competing in the highest leagues in the country – the EABL and WEABL – and we’re proud of what we’ve built: excellent education, high-level basketball, and a fantastic student athlete experience.”
High School:
Our Lady's RC High School
Subject:
A Levels in Business, English Literature and Philosophy, Ethics & Theology
Next Steps
Degree in International Business Finance and Economics
Jayden Evora Gomes
“I chose Xaverian and its Academy because of its good reputation for basketball development and what I believed it would help me achieve. At the time, I believed that the teachers and coaches would give me two great seasons to flourish in basketball and academic study – and looking back now, those beliefs were very accurate. The team has consistently improved throughout the two years, from 2nd place in the league and making it to the CBL semi-finals in my first year, to winning the league and making the finals this year and getting promoted to the EABL for the upcoming season. Xaverian has shown me what it means to be a family. The support from the coach and the teachers made it a great experience, giving us lots of help, advice and good energy. It was an amazing experience that I’ll always remember, and one that I’d recommend to anyone.”
High School:
Oasis Academy MediaCityUK
Subjects:
A Levels in Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Next Steps
Degree in Medicine or Biological Sciences
Elite Basketball Academy Coach
Paul Cantwell
“I’m a Level 3 Basketball coach. I formerly played professionally and now coach at professional level. I’ve been a head coach in America and have coached at the highest level in the UK in the BBL for the former Manchester Giants. At Xaverian, we’ve been building our Men’s and Women’s Basketball Academy over the past four years. We’re now competing in the highest leagues in the country – the EABL and WEABL – and we’re proud of what we’ve built: excellent education, high-level basketball, and a fantastic student athlete experience.”
High School:
Our Lady's RC High School
Subject:
A Levels in Business, English Literature and Philosophy, Ethics & Theology
Next Steps
Degree in International Business Finance and Economics
Jayden Evora Gomes
“I chose Xaverian and its Academy because of its good reputation for basketball development and what I believed it would help me achieve. At the time, I believed that the teachers and coaches would give me two great seasons to flourish in basketball and academic study – and looking back now, those beliefs were very accurate. The team has consistently improved throughout the two years, from 2nd place in the league and making it to the CBL semi-finals in my first year, to winning the league and making the finals this year and getting promoted to the EABL for the upcoming season. Xaverian has shown me what it means to be a family. The support from the coach and the teachers made it a great experience, giving us lots of help, advice and good energy. It was an amazing experience that I’ll always remember, and one that I’d recommend to anyone.”
High School:
Oasis Academy MediaCityUK
Subjects:
A Levels in Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Next Steps
Degree in Medicine or Biological Sciences
How it fits around your studies
We recommend taking at least one block of Sport BTEC alongside two A Levels, or equivalent Applied Subjects. The Sport BTEC is available as a one or three-block option. Your timetable is built around your academy commitments, so you never have to choose between training and lessons.
