March 06
ZONE PRESS
England Basketball Online Magazine
NEWS IN BRIEF ZONE PRESS 03.06
Derby Trailblazers To Refurbish Noel Baker School
The Derby Trailblazers bring with it flexibility to encourage creative basketball courts as well as one show court.
approaches to enhancing club facilities and This will allow the club to stimulate activity
received a major boost this increasing participation by members of the in many of the local primary schools and
month with the confirmation local community. youth groups who do not currently have the
resources to develop sport.
that Sport England have The refurbishment of the facility at Noel
granted an award for a Baker School will provide a much needed Todd Cauthorn, National Facilities Manager
resource for the future investment of for England Basketball, said: “This is an
sports hall refurbishment at basketball and sport in the Derby area. exciting project that shows one of the many
Noel Baker School in Derby possibilities where Sport England investment
Due to the success of the club, their growth can benefit the sport of basketball in the
under the Community Club potential has been hampered by the lack community and strengthen school to club
Development Programme. of a single quality facility where they can links.”
base all of their basketball activities. The
The programme is intended to address the refurbishment will include seating, a new Work is due to start on the project at Easter
needs of the backbone of English sport, the floor and new basketball equipment within and be completed by the end of the summer
community based sports club. It aims to the existing hall allowing for three mini holidays in September.
Awards Season at Trafford
Basketball Club
Over the last 3 months The most recent award was presented
from Trafford Metropolitan Borough
Trafford Basketball Club Council in recognition of the great
has received numerous work and commitment from the
clubs members. “The success of
prestigious awards. Trafford Basketball Club has been
amazing given the short time it
The club has achieved Sport England has been established and with
Clubmark status and 3 Star Club over 100 young people currently
accreditation from England Basketball. registered, I’m confident it will
Through the club’s links with Manor High go from strength to strength,” Calum
Community School, the school have also says Donald Johnson from the port O Donnelly, G
ff reater
received the Basketballmark accreditation. teach icer prese
Trafford Sports Development er nting Sport Bask
the Ba at Manor Neil E
ltr
etball
sketb H S
team. all Ma igh Comm ingham, H up-
rk Award unity e ad
“The school and club will continue to work . Febr School wit
uary 2 h
closely together to develop basketball,” says 006.
Neil Eltringham, Head Teach at Manor High.
Rockets Gain Funding From Access Sport
Reading Rockets have continue the development and mentoring of encouraging as Access Sports’ vision merges
our community coaches and provide much extremely well with Rockets, vision, goals
been privileged with a 1 needed equipment to use in the community and plans,’’ Matt added. “We are already
year contract and funding programme. Our role is to deliver Access fast tracking coaches to join our Community
Sports key objectives which involves Development Team and with this funding we
of up to £3000 from Access increasing sports participation levels through anticipate establishing more Rockets satellite
Sport, for their Community support from the provision of coaching and clubs in the next 2 years.”
mentoring expertise, as well as subsidies
Development Programme. linked to equipment requirements.” Rockets will also benefit from annual regional
forums with other Access Sport partners
Programme Director, Matt Johnson was Rockets will launch the partnership with a as well as quarterly newsletters and the
thrilled with the grant: “It’s a great help when Festival Day in the knowledge that they can availability of professional advice to further
funding sources are limited and Rockets are sustain their existing community programme promote and market Reading Rockets.
keen to build on their successful community and now extend it to other communities.
programme. This partnership will help us “This is a new venture which is very
Page 02
NEWS IN BRIEF ZONE PRESS 03.06
ENGLAND UNDER 16 2007 EUROPEAN
DIVISION B
Boys Group D
YOUTH
Tallinn, Estonia
CHAMPIONSHIP
11/8/6 England v Romania
12/8/6 England v Netherlands DRAWS
13/8/6 England v Bosnia/Herzegovina
Girls Group C
Jyväsklä , Finland
4/8/6 England v Romania
5/8/6 England v Austria
6/8/6 England v Latvia
ENGLAND UNDER 18
DIVISION B The draws for FIBA Europe’s youth championships were completed on
Saturday, February 25th in Krakow, Poland.
Men Group A England have been accepted into 4 categories (Under 18 Men and
Sibiu, Romania Women; Under 16 Boys and Girls) in Division B of the Championships
and Great Britain* have been accepted into the Under 20 category for
30/7/6 England v Finland men and women – also into Division B.
31/7/6 England v Luxembourg The groups for each of the six teams and the dates for their preliminary
round competitions is outlined on the left:
1/8/6 England v Portugal
Women Group A
Chieti, Italy
21/7/6 England v Ireland
22/7/6 England v Romania
23/7/6 England v Italy
GB UNDER 20
DIVISION B *Notes on Team Great Britain:
Men Group A In late November 2005, the basketball federations of England, Scotland
and Wales, together with representatives from the International
Lisbon, Portugal Basketball Federation (FIBA) and FIBA Europe, put pen to paper on an
agreement which is seen as the first major step in securing a place for
14/7/6 Great Britain v Ireland
British basketball at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
15/7/6 Great Britain v Belgium
FIBA Europe have been fully supportive with a key development
13/8/6 Great Britain v Poland allowing British men’s and women’s teams to compete in Europe at
senior and U-20 level; while the home countries also retain the right for
their senior teams to compete at a lower level to that of the respective
Women Group A British team. The home countries also retain their individual age-group
Druskininkai , Lithuania (U-14, U-16 and U-18) teams’ programmes and the right to compete in
FIBA Europe competitions.
7/7/6 Great Britain v Ireland
In order to achieve a place at the 2012 London Games, both the
8/7/6 Great Britain v Slovenia men’s and women’s teams will be required to demonstrate that they
are competitive in European Basketball. This will require a sustained
9/7/6 Great Britain v Serbia/Mont competition programme commencing with entry to the European B-
Division Championships next year with the intention of moving up to the
11/7/6 Great Britain v Belarus A-Division as rapidly as possible.
12/7/6 Great Britain v Switzerland
Page 03
NEWS IN BRIEF ZONE PRESS 03.06
OBI Summer Events Programme 2006
England Basketball If you are not an accredited club, you can
still apply but will need to be accredited in
has joined forces with order to receive any funding payments. The
funding grant allocated will be specified
the Outdoor Basketball upon receipt of the expectation form and
will be dependent upon clubmark, star
Initative to offer the OBI accreditation, size of event, number of
Outdoor Summer Events participants, quality of event and other
criteria.
Programme 2006.
After all of the expectation forms are
For the second year in a row, every returned, a panel at England Basketball will
accredited club has the opportunity to then analyse each application and send out
receive funding for a single outdoor event or a congratulatory letter as well as monitoring
a series of events throughout the summer. forms and posters for the successful
applicants. The monitoring form must be
Each club can run summer competitions submitted no more than 4 weeks after the
consisting of 3v3, 4v4 or 5v5 for any age event and must include details on number
groups and these can be run from May of participants, facilities used (including
through to September. In 2005, 19 clubs photographs), and any advertising literature,
received funding to successfully hold newspaper articles etc. with receipts
outdoor events, cover costs and attract new provided.
members.
Remember, all participants in the summer
If you are an accredited club, all you need to programme must be accredited to England
do is fill out the expectation form which can Basketball.
be downloaded from the England Basketball
website and tell us what you are planning.
Page 03
COMPETITION ZONE PRESS 03.06
England Basketball Members Competition
Win A Copy of NBA 2K6 for the XBOX 360!
We have five copies of NBA 2K6 for the XBOX 360 to give away. For Please send your answer, along with the information below, to
a chance to win a copy of your own, please answer the following todd.stuart@englandbasketball.co.uk or post to Todd Stuart,
question: England Basketball, EIS-Sheffield, 1st Floor, Sheffield, S9 5DA
The England senior men’s and women’s basketball teams are Name, address, phone number, email address, and England
currently competing in the 2006 Commonwealth Games. In what Basketball membership number.
city and country are the Commonwealth Games being played?
This competition is open to current England Basketball members
only. Deadline for entry is Friday 14th April 2006 at 12.00pm. A
random draw will be made to determine the five winners. All
winners will be notified by phone and/or email. Only 1 entry per
household.
Xbox 360 Exclusive Features – NBA 2K6
o NBA Player Models come to life as never seen before with revolutionary new
graphic technology.
o True-Life cloth simulation technology delivers the most remarkable lifelike cloth
movement system on player’s’ shorts and jerseys.
o The power of the Xbox 360 creates dramatic new lighting techniques to recreate
extraordinarily detailed and lifelike in-stadium atmospheres.
o New dramatic broadcast style brings electric NBA action through new dynamic
camera work, new camera perspective closer to the action, and depth of field
effects.
o The most current player transactions, off-season movement, and rookie signings
for upcoming 2005-2006 NBA season.
ZONE PRESS 03.06
THE FINALS
COUNTDOWN
RAF Final Fours 2006
As we reach the climax of a fantastic
season and with the RAF leagues
reaching quarter-finals stage,
excitement is mounting towards an
action-packed RAF Final Fours 2006.
With the combination of competitive
play, fan enthusiasm and a high level of
sportsmanship shown in previous years,
the RAF Finals Fours are established as
the best showcase of youth basketball
in England.
Page 06
FEATURE ZONE PRESS 03.06
RAF England Basketball Final Fours
(U13-U15)
Lincolnshire’s RAF Cranwell, will play host to the U13’s and U15’s Final Fours for the first time,
when teams from these age groups come head to head on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd April
2006.
This is the second season that the Royal Air Force will be sponsoring these age groups,
and the event looks set to display a wave of fresh talent in what will be a great weekend of
basketball.
Saturday 1st April 2006 Sunday 2nd April 2006
RAF U13 Finals RAF U15 Finals
Doors open - 9.00am Doors open - 9.00am
Semi Final 1 - 10.00am Semi Final 1 - 10.00am
Semi Final 2 – 12.00pm Semi Final 2 – 12.00pm
3rd and 4th Place play-offs – 2.30pm 3rd and 4th Place play-offs – 2.30pm
Final – 4.30pm Final – 4.30pm
Competing teams must confirm timings with England Basketball, prior to the event
RAF England Basketball Final Fours
(U14-U18)
The U14’s, U16’s and U18’s Final Fours return to RAF Cosford near Wolverhampton on Saturday
6th and Sunday 7th May 2006.
Taking place in the gyms at the RAF’s School of Physical training, 24 teams will battle it out
in the semis, playoffs and the finals, in order to gain the prestigious title of 2006 Final Fours
Champions.
Fans will have the chance to move around all three courts to enjoy this renowned event
of youth basketball in England. Each year guarantees fantastic matches with supporters
travelling from all over the country to root for their favourite team during the weekend.
In past seasons, East London Royals, Manchester Magics and Ellesmere Port Panthers have
all walked away as coveted Final Fours Champions. This year will see teams working hard
through the quarter-finals rounds, aiming for their deserved place in the finals at the end of
each day.
As with past seasons, those lucky enough to be one of this year’s champions will take home a
trophy and a trendy RAF kit in their team colours.
Saturday 6th May 2006 Sunday 7th May 2006
(RAF U14 Women’s, U16 Men’s and U18 Women’s Play Off Finals) (RAF U14 Men’s, U16 Women’s and U18 Men’s Play Off Finals)
Doors open – 9.00 am Doors open – 9.00 am
U14 Women’s Semi-finals – 10.15 am U14 Men’s Semi-finals – 10.15 am
U16 Men’s Semi-finals – 10.15 am U16 Women’s Semi-finals – 10.15 am
U14 Women’s Semi-finals – 12.15pm U14 Men’s Semi-finals – 12.15pm
U18 Women’s Semi-finals – 12.15pm U18 Men’s Semi-finals – 12.15pm
U14 Women’s Third Place Play Off – 2.15pm U14 Men’s Third Place Play Off – 2.15pm
U16 Men’s Third Place Play Off – 2.15pm U16 Women’s Third Place Play Off – 2.15pm
U16 Men’s Final – 2.30pm U16 Women’s Final – 2.30pm
U14 Women’s Final – 4.15pm U14 Men’s Final – 4.15pm
U18 Women’s Third Place Play Off – 4.15 pm U18 Men’s Third Place Play Off – 4.15 pm
U18 Women’s Final – 4.30pm U18 Men’s Final – 4.30pm
Competing teams must confirm timings with England Basketball, prior to the event
Page 07
FEATURE ZONE PRESS 03.06
Left to right: David Li-Sai, Martin Ziegler,
and Carl Walther
GERMANS TAKE TEAM
NORTHUMBRIA BY STORM Team Northumbria Celebrates Men’s
Shield and Women’s Trophy in Manchester
By SIMON RUSHWORTH
ONE of English basketball’s rising forces Li-Sai, from Landau, near Karlsruhe, is studying trip down and staying overnight before the
is saying ‘auf wiedersehen’ to years of for a degree in international business and the final really helped the team spirit. It made a
inconsistency after a trio of talented forward explained: “I’ve been over here since huge difference spending that amount of time
Germans took Tyneside by storm. September. together as a team.
Carl Walther, David Li-Sai and Martin Ziegler “I researched the university and the city of “Greg has given every player an opportunity
have emerged as key figures in Team Newcastle on the internet and looked into the to play and prove himself. He’s worked hard
Northumbria’s success this season with all basketball opportunities here. on creating a good team spirit on and off the
three playing pivotal roles in last month’s court.”
National Shield victory in Manchester. “I played competitively in Germany in the sixth
tier of basketball but I have never experienced Explosive guard Ziegler is the new kid on
And the versatile threesome are set to commit anything like the National Shield final in the Team Northumbria block after joining
their short-term futures to Greg Modzelewski’s Manchester. It was a privilege to be part of it.” Modzelewski’s squad at the turn of the year.
fast-improving roster as the Geordies bid for Spotted playing for the university’s second
promotion to Division Two next season. Walther, a native of Berlin, is one of only three team, his promotion has coincided with a
returning players from Team Northumbria’s period of sustained success and the Augsburg
Team Northumbria pride themselves 2004/05 squad. The imposing centre has schemer added: “I’m still getting to know the
on offering emerging talent from home been central to the success of a young and other guys and it’s been a real rollercoaster.
and abroad the opportunity to work with inexperienced side this season and the 23-
experienced sports specific coaches, strength year-old said: “I’m enjoying working with new “Manchester was brilliant but not unexpected.
and conditioning experts and dieticians. people and making new friends. Everything just clicks with this team. I’ve
been made co-captain and I’m enjoying my
In addition those players studying for degrees “Last year I was the only German in the team basketball more than ever.
at the University of Northumbria are afforded and it’s great to have two fellow countrymen
support with their studies in return for a alongside me. “That’s down to Greg, the other guys on the
commitment to their chosen sport. team and the fact that I’m playing with two
“We had a game before the final in Manchester other Germans. We’re all pretty competitive
Former Newcastle Eagle Modzelewski where we showed what we can do and that and it brings out the best in everyone.”
inherited Walther from last season’s squad but gave everyone confidence.
Li-Sai and Ziegler were both spotted by the
Chicago native during try-outs last autumn. “I always thought we would win. I enjoyed the
Page 08
ZONE PRESS 03.06
Get Qualified
Have you ever thought of Coaching Courses
becoming a coach or an official?
Coaching and officiating courses Date Award Location
are held regularly around the
1/2 Apr Level 1 Manchester
country from the beginner level
Contact: Sergio Lara Bercial, 0161 8810090, s.lara-bercial@manchester.gov.uk
up to the most advanced stages.
1, 8, 15/16, & 22 Apr Level 2 St. Albans
Listed opposite are the courses being held across
Contact: Matthew Eames , 01707 281009, m.1.eames@herts.ac.uk
the country for both coaching and officiating in
the next few weeks. All courses are led by fully
3/4 Apr Level 1 Leeds
qualified England Basketball tutors, come with
manuals (some with logbooks) and upon successful Contact: Su Leeming,0113 2837437, sportsawards@leedsmet.ac.uk
completion, students are awarded a certificate.
8/9 Apr Level 1 Chichester
Information is updated regularly on the England Contact: Robin Sykes, 01243 816382, r.sykes@ucc.ac.uk
Basketball website, so please log onto:
8/9 Apr & 20/21 May Level 2 Nottingham
www.englandbasketball.co.uk Contact: Stuart Smith, 0115 8483958, stuart.smith@ntu.ac.uk
for courses that are being held in your local area. 8/9 Apr Level 1 Windermere
Contact: Lorna Postlethwaite, 01539 733333, L.Postlethwaite@southlakeland.gov.uk
19/26 Apr & 3 May Level 1 London
Contact: Alison Puddle, 020 87083046, alison.puddle@redbridge.gov.uk
22/23 Apr & 6/7 May Level 2 London
Contact: Lisa Williams, 020 78157874, willialq@lsbu.ac.uk
29/30 Apr Level 1 London
Contact: Lisa Williams, 020 78157874, willialq@lsbu.ac.uk
29/30 Apr Level 1 East Ham, London
Contact: Alison Mitchell, 020 8430 2483, alison.mitchell@newham.gov.uk
Officiating Courses
Date Award Location
25 Mar Level 2 Table Official London
Contact: Lisa Williams, 020 78157874, willialq@lsbu.ac.uk
26 Mar Level 1 Referee London
Contact: Steve Alexander, 020 76414807, steve.alexander@englandbasketball.com
15 Apr Level 1 Referee Manchester
Contact: Sergio Lara-Bercial, 0161 8810090, s.lara-bercial@manchester.gov.uk
30 Apr Level 1 Referee Carlisle
Contact: Emily Hartwell, 01228 817581, emilyh@carlisle.gov.uk
Page 09
ZONE PRESS 03.06
2006 EBL Playoffs
EVENT VENUE DATE
RAF Final Fours 2006 RAF Cranwell
Lincolnshire
Under 13 Boys 1 April
Under 15 Boys 2 April
EBL Senior Finals University of Bath
Founder’s Cup Final (12.00pm) 9 April
Division II Women’s Final (2.30pm)
Division III Men’s Final (5.00pm)
Basketball Finals Weekend National Indoor Arena
Birmingham
Division II Men’s Final (1.00pm) 29 April
BBL Semi Final (3.30pm)
BBL Semi Final (6.00pm)
Division I Women’s Final (12.30pm) 30 April
Division I Men’s Final (3.00pm)
BBL Final (5.30pm)
RAF Final Fours 2006 RAF Cosford
Shropshire
Under 14 Girls Semi Final / Final 6 May
Under 16 Boys Semi Final / Final
Under 18 Women Semi Final / Final
Under 14 Boys Semi Final / Final 7 May
Under 16 Girls Semi Final / Final
Under 18 Men Semi Final / Final
Page 10
ZONE PRESS 03.06
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