It was a historic weekend for London Elite as our U12 team returned to National League competition for the first time in three years — and they did so in style, opening the season with a strong win over West London rivals, London Warriors.

London Elite first opened its doors in 2019, quickly establishing itself as a powerhouse at the U12 level. The program’s early success came through a super-strong squad featuring standout talents such as Anton and Tomas Saffin, Ethan Arroyo, and Kaya Birsen.

In the club’s first-ever game, the young Elite squad faced the previously unbeaten American team, Zoo Crew. After an exciting contest, our side came out on top — a result that set the tone for the London Elite program in the years to come.

Several players from that original team, including Anton and Kaya, have continued their development within the Elite pathway. Both recently represented the UK50 squad, which made headlines after defeating China U16 in the Future Stars International Tournament Final in Shanghai — a proud moment for our club and its grassroots foundation.

Today, Kaya Birsen has committed to Northfield Mount Hermon School (USA), continuing his journey at one of America’s top basketball and academic institutions. Meanwhile, Anton Saffin is continuing his development at Riviera Prep in Miami, further showcasing the strength of the London Elite pathway and its ability to prepare players for international success.

In the following season, London Elite’s second U12 generation — featuring Q. McKelvey and N. Ferrari — continued the success of the previous year. Led by Quinton, who averaged nearly 40 points per game, our squad once again won the U12 league and competed successfully in the Summer Showcase, our first major tournament organized by London Elite. Quinton is now attending Seward School in New York, while N. Ferrari continues his basketball journey at DME Wisconsin.

After a temporary dip in numbers and a three-year pause in the U12 age group, the program was reignited last spring when Coach Daniel and Coach Kieran began rebuilding the youth pathway through a strong U10 initiative. That movement has now flourished into a new U12 unit, marking the club’s full return to competitive youth basketball.

Under the guidance of Coach Imahni, whose energy and knowledge have inspired the players, the U12s made an immediate impact with a convincing opening win over London Warriors. He is a great addition to our program and we can’t wait to see what future brings!

Meanwhile, the U10 program continues to grow from strength to strength, with a dedicated group of young players attending regular training sessions and showing exciting potential for the club’s future.

Now, new talents such as Preston, Yotam, and Jackson have entered the same development pathway as Kaya and Anton or Quinton once did — proving that history has a way of repeating itself within the London Elite family.

With momentum building once again, the future of London Elite basketball looks brighter than ever. 🌟

We are proud to announce that Zan Milovidov, one of London Elite’s most promising young talents, has officially joined AS Monaco, a European basketball powerhouse competing at the highest level.

Known as La Roca Team, AS Monaco’s senior squad plays in France’s top-tier LNB Pro A and the prestigious EuroLeague — where they reached the Final Four in the 2024/25 season, narrowly missing out in the championship game.

Zan will be joining AS Monaco’s U18 team, which competes in France’s premier U18 league and regularly features in the Adidas Next Generation Tournament (ANGT) — one of the most globally respected stages for youth basketball talent.

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Zan joined London Elite at age 13, and quickly made his mark. The polite giant became a central figure in the squad that claimed the club’s first-ever National Championship title at the U14 level.

Standing at 6’10”, Zan has continued to impress. Last season, he delivered a dominant performance in the U16 National Final, helping lead his team to the final in a memorable campaign.

Most recently, Zan represented Team Europe at the highly prestigious Future Star Shanghai Tournament, where — alongside five other London Elite players and U16 Head Coach Daniel James — he helped the team win the championship, defeating China U16 in the final. This victory is another major highlight in a breakout year for Zan and a reflection of the talent emerging from our program.

Zan reflects: “My time at London Elite was honestly amazing. I spent three great years there and it really felt like being part of a family. Winning the championship in my second year was a big highlight, but the best parts were the practices, the EYBL trips, and just having fun with my teammates. The energy was always high, and I grew a lot as a player and a person. If I had to do it all over again, I’d pick London Elite every time. Now I’m looking forward to a new challenge in Monaco and experiencing something different while taking everything I learned with me.“

This move is a testament not only to Zan’s talent and work ethic, but to the developmental pathway provided by London Elite — and the international opportunities it creates.

We wish Zan the very best in Monaco and look forward to following his journey on one of Europe’s biggest stages.

Once Elite, Always Elite.

London Elite is proud to announce a major milestone in the club’s journey: our Men’s team has officially been promoted to Division 1, as part of a competitive restructure by Basketball England.

This exciting development doesn’t just elevate the level of basketball on the court—it signals the start of a new chapter for our entire program, with big investments in the fan experience and club infrastructure.

A New Level of Experience – On and Off the Court

Fans attending home games this season can expect more than high-level basketball. We’re taking game days to the next level with LED banners around the court, enhanced visuals, and a more immersive atmosphere that reflects the ambition and professionalism of a our club.

“This isn’t just about going up a division,” said a club spokesperson. “It’s about raising the standard across the board—from how we train and compete, to how we engage our fans and represent our city.”

Leadership Changes: Daniel Moves to GM, Kieran Takes the Helm

As part of this new phase, long-time Head Coach Daniel will be stepping down from the sidelines to take on a full-time role as General Manager of the team. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding the men’s program to this point, and his vision will now steer the club’s broader strategy and growth.

Assistant Coach Marc Moral will continue in his role, bringing experience and consistency to the bench.

We’re also thrilled to announce the appointment of Kieran Matthews as the new Head Coach of the Division 1 Men’s team. Kieran has been an integral part of the club for the past six seasons, particularly in youth development, and now steps into the top job with a clear mission and deep understanding of London Elite’s DNA.

From the New Head Coach, Kieran Matthews

“Having been part of a lot of success at London Elite over the past six seasons—particularly on the youth side, and through supporting the men’s program—I believe this transition is a natural one. I’ve seen the club grow from the inside, and I understand what it takes to move it forward.

Now, stepping into the role of Head Coach for the Division 1 Men’s team, my mission is clear: to lead meaningful change, raise standards, and build something that goes beyond the scoreboard.

This team will serve as the beacon—a symbol of what our younger players can and should aspire to. We’ll put a major emphasis on player development and the transition from youth to professional basketball, creating a real pathway grounded in opportunity, mentorship, and growth.

But more than that, I want this team to become something the entire club and community can be proud of. Of course, we’ll always fight to be competitive—but this team has the potential to be so much bigger than basketball.

We’re not just building a roster.
We’re building a culture.
We’re building a legacy.”

Open Trial – July 16th

Players interested in joining the Division 1 roster are invited to attend our open trial on Wednesday, 16th July.
To register or for more information, contact: [email protected]

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This is more than a promotion. This is a new era for London Elite Basketball Club.
Come be part of it. 🏀

London Elite basketball Club is proud to announce a landmark partnership with IBB LED, ushering in a bold new era for the 2025/26 season.
From the very first home match, supporters will notice an immediate difference: a state-of-the-art LED perimeter board will frame the court at every fixture, bringing broadcast-quality visuals, dynamic sponsor content, and a match-day atmosphere worthy of the sport’s top stages.

Daniel Szatkowski, London Elite Director ” Our club since day 1 have been doing amazing things on court. Massive success on court are coming each year. However our main weaknesses was game day experience which i was focused on tackling for several months now. I am beyond proud of this sponsorship as this is whole new level for our club. Now i can confidently say that for London Elite sky is the limit”

Raising the Game—On and Off the Court
Enhanced fan experience: From live stats to crowd-pumping graphics, the energy at our home games will be unmatched—from warm-up to the final point.

Professional brand image: The LED system places London Elite among UK’s most forward-thinking sports projects—a level of presentation we’ve all been waiting for.

Expanded commercial platform: Rotating digital inventory allows for flexible, high-visibility sponsorship packages—strengthening the commercial reach of both London Elite and IBB Polonia.

Bartek Łuszcz, IBB LED: As a company we have been supporting Volleyball for many years but now when occasion came that IBB Polonia and London elite can work together, we did not hesitate to support this. We both benefit from this collaboration and i truly believe we will grow from strength to strength each season. Future is ours”

More Than Just a Partnership

This exciting venture also sees IBB Polonia playing their upcoming matches at our home court—Harris Lowe Academy—further strengthening the connection between the two clubs.

We invite fans to witness the beginning of this new era at our inaugural launch event on Saturday, 12th July.
Come and enjoy a day of elite sport:
🏐 Volleyball at 2:00 PM
🏀 Basketball at 4:00 PM

The collaboration marks a shared vision: to elevate us, inspire the next generation of athletes, and deliver unforgettable live experiences. With innovation lighting the court and unity powering the progress, the 2025/26 season is just the beginning of a thrilling new chapter.

IBB LED is a London-based company dedicated to transforming sporting events into unforgettable experiences through cutting-edge LED technology. With a strong focus on enhancing the game-day atmosphere, they deliver dynamic perimeter advertising, high-impact visuals, and tailored solutions that elevate the professional image of sports clubs and captivate fans from start to finish.

London Elite Basketball Club is proud to announce a new partnership with the European Youth Basketball League (EYBL), marking a significant step forward in its long-term commitment to coach and player development.

As part of this collaboration, London Elite staff and players will have the opportunity to attend EYBL camps and events across Europe, gaining exposure to elite-level competition and international coaching methodologies.

Kieran Matthews, Head of Development at London Elite, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership:

“I think this is the most logical step for us as a club. Our eyes have always been on international pathways and models. This partnership will open our growing and developing coaching staff to international opportunities. The growth and development of our staff, as well as our players, is paramount.”

An EYBL spokesperson added:

“We are excited to welcome London Elite into the EYBL community. Their commitment to player and coach development aligns closely with our mission, and we look forward to seeing them thrive in our competitive environment.”

As part of this initiative, London Elite is now inviting expressions of interest from coaches who are eager to join a progressive club with strong international links and a clear development pathway.

This will be a development platform through our club, where new coaches can gain qualifications, experience and knowledge while working towards Pro career.

For more info please contact [email protected]

We are beyond excited to invite you to the London Elite Basketball Club’s Annual Awards Night, taking place on Thursday, 19th June 2025 at 6:00 PM, in the theatre at our home court – Harris Lowe Academy Willesden.

This special evening is dedicated to celebrating the incredible achievements of our players, coaches, and teams throughout the 2024–25 season. It’s our moment to honour the passion, hard work, and dedication that every member of our London Elite family has shown.

This year’s event is particularly meaningful. After a few logistical challenges in previous seasons, we’ve pulled out all the stops to make this one truly unforgettable. It’s time to give our players, coaches, and supportive parents the recognition they deserve.

By attending, you’ll get a real sense of the scale, ambition, and vision of the London Elite Basketball Club. Discover the amazing things happening behind the scenes and see first-hand what lies ahead for our growing community.

🚨 Please note: Space is limited to just 200 guests, and we expect to sell out quickly – so don’t wait!

🎟️ Click here to reserve your spot or scan this QR code:

📅 Event Details:

Date: Thursday, 19th June 2025

Time: 6:00 PM

Venue: Theatre at Harris Lowe Academy Willesden

Doyle Gardens, NW10 3ST, London

Let’s come together to celebrate the spirit, effort, and success of the London Elite family. We can’t wait to see you there!

#LondonEliteAwardsNight #EliteFamily #CelebratingExcellencelondonelite.club

London Elite Basketball Club and IBB Polonia London Volleyball Club are proud to announce a new partnership to create a world-class multisport academy, supported by the Global Institute of Sport. This collaboration reflects a shared goal: developing young athletes and driving the future of sport in the UK and beyond.

A Strong Partnership

London Elite, founded in 2019 by Daniel Szatkowski, has quickly made a name for itself in British basketball. The club recently won the 2022–23 Under-18 Boys National Cup and earned back-to-back promotions to Division 1 in the National Basketball League, showcasing its focus on youth development and competitive excellence.

IBB Polonia London, established in 1973, is the oldest volleyball club in England. With multiple national titles and experience in European competitions like the CEV Champions League, Polonia has played a major role in growing volleyball across the UK.

Shared Training, Shared Goals
A key part of this partnership is the shared use of training facilities and the introduction of joint training programs. By combining coaching experience and infrastructure, both clubs aim to offer athletes well-rounded, top-level training that blends basketball, volleyball, and more—under one roof.
A New Home for London’s Talents
IBB Polonia London and Elite Academy London have cemented their new partnership with the joint use of a 400-seat centrally located arena that will host every home match for both organisations.
The venue pairs modern facilities with fan-first design, with IBB’s signature full-LED match-presentation system delivering a European-standard fan experience—lights, visuals, sound, the lot—from day one.

Looking Ahead
This is just the beginning. Both clubs are already planning future projects that will strengthen their cooperation and offer even more opportunities to young athletes, not only in London but across Europe.
From the Clubs
“This partnership is a big step forward in building future champions,” said Daniel Szatkowski, Founder of London Elite. “Working with IBB Polonia and GIS means we can offer something truly special—great coaching, great facilities, and a strong pathway for young talent.”

Bartek Łuszcz, CEO of IBB Polonia London, added:

“Partnering with London Elite gives junior volleyball exactly what it needs—top-class courts right next to top-class classrooms. Kids can chase their grades and their game at the same time.
Our system allows both beginners and national-team hopefuls to train together, each on a path designed for their level. That’s how we grow the sport.
Huge thanks to our funders—no egos, just good energy and fast action. Together, we’re raising the standard for every young athlete who walks through our doors.”

About the Clubs
London Elite Basketball Club
London Elite focuses on developing young basketball talent in the capital. The club is known for its competitive success and commitment to youth growth.
Learn more: www.londonelite.club
IBB Polonia London Volleyball Club
Founded in 1973, IBB Polonia is one of the UK’s most successful and respected volleyball clubs. It continues to lead the way in developing the sport across the country.
Learn more: www.polonia.vc

Join Us at the Launch!
The new era begins on June 4th. Don’t miss our official launch event at Wembley Stadium.
Book your place now → Here

The future is bright. The future is ours.

Our U14 boys kicked off their Challenger Cup campaign in style!

After finishing the regular season with a 4-4 record, our squad earned their spot among the top 16 teams in the country, and headed to Budapest, Hungary (May 16–18) with Coach Kieran Matthews and Coach Marc Moral leading the way.

🆚 Game 1 vs. TSE Basket (Budapest)
Facing the home team, our boys came out firing, taking control early with a dominant 25-10 first quarter. At one point, the lead ballooned to 25 points, and the team never looked back — finishing with a convincing 66-50 win!

🌟 Top Performers:
🔹 Milun Watson – nearly a triple-double! 24 pts, 12 reb, 7 ast
🔹 Gio Fonisto – strong presence on both ends: 14 pts, 12 reb, Index 26
🔹 Makai Kibuuka-Musoke – all-around impact: 5 pts, 7 reb, 7 ast

After a strong start against the home team, our U14 boys faced a tough challenge in Game 2 vs. BK Rilski (Bulgaria) — a squad that had already beaten BC Wings (74-68) and TSE Basket (88-66) earlier in the day.

Our boys knew they had to step it up, and they delivered big time.

💥 The game opened with a high-intensity battle, trading baskets until we pulled ahead with a 5-point lead by the end of Q1.
🏀 In the second half, Rilski fought back with a flurry of 3s, cutting the lead to just 3 points — but our boys responded like pros.

💪 A crucial and-1 finish from Gio Foniste and a steal & layup from Enoch Onashile shifted the momentum back.
The 4th quarter? Total domination.
Our boys ran away with it, outscoring the Bulgarian side 30-11 in the final frame to take a 93-69 win!

Standout Performances:
🔹 Gio Fonisto– 31 pts, 12 reb, Index 39 🔥
🔹 Milun Watson – 22 pts, 8 reb, 7 steals
🔹 Josh Santos – 13 pts, 4 reb, Index 11

📝 That wraps Day 1 with a perfect 2-0 record! Next up: BC Wings (Tbilisi, Georgia) on Day 2!

Stay locked in — check our stories and feed for live updates! 🏆

LondonElite #ChallengerCup #Day1Sweep #GioGoneOff #MilunMadness #EliteU14s #BudapestBasketball #NextGameUp

We are incredibly proud to announce that our very own Leo Bowmaker has been selected to represent the South African U16 National Team!

Leo’s rapid development since joining London Elite has been nothing short of exceptional. As a key figure in our U14 squad, he led the team to the Final Four of the National Championship in Manchester last year. His standout performance in the semi-final — scoring 34 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in a commanding win over Manchester Magic — remains one of the highlights of that campaign.

This season, Leo seamlessly transitioned into our U16 team, competing in the Western Premier Division of the U16 National League. From the very start, he has been one of the most consistent and impactful players on an already talented roster. Leo was our most outstanding player at U16 Final Four event where he recorded 13 points and 13 rebounds with 5 assists in Final vs London Stars.

His excellent performances did not go unnoticed. After representing KwaZulu-Natal at the South African National Championship — where he was named to the All-Star 5 — Leo earned a well-deserved call-up to the South African U16 National Team.

Leo will now represent his country at the African Union Sport Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games, taking place this July in Windhoek, Namibia. This prestigious event will serve as key preparation for the FIBA U17 World Cup in 2026.

Everyone at London Elite is thrilled to see Leo’s hard work and dedication pay off on the international stage. We’re excited to watch him grow and make his mark at the next level.

Well done, Leo — the entire Elite family is behind you!