Tag: #londonbasketball #westlondon #elitebasketball #trophy #history

Crest Academy Joins the London Elite Academy Family


We are excited to announce that Crest Academy is now officially part of the London Elite Academy. This collaboration, which began two years ago, has already yielded remarkable success. Under the guidance of Coach Kelson Dickson and Coach Afiz (Way2Work Crest Academy played a pivotal role in taking our U18 team to the National League final and securing the National Cup, marking the first-ever national trophy for London Elite.


Crest Academy has rapidly become one of the top academies in London, if not the entire UK, thanks to coach Kelson and Coach Afiz (Way2Work) leadership. Moving forward, London Elite and Crest Academy will work hand in hand to deliver a dominant U18 team. Crest Academy’s participation in Tier 2 is a fantastic addition to our current partnerships with Harris Lowe and West London College, collectively forming an outstanding provision for London Elite’s U18 program.

[Quote from Coach Kelson. “I am excited about the partnership between London Elite and Crest Academy. Two provisions that have a player-centred approach and believe in the development and maturation of players. Having worked with coach Daniel before for a number of years and having numerous successes through those years, it felt right to continue to merge our strengths for the betterment of our players. Players now can compete at a high level with many different avenues open to them to grow and develop

This exciting new chapter promises to elevate our U18 team to even greater success. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to build a powerhouse in youth basketball.
See the link below for applications. https://forms.office.com/e/JHt9hBtyPc

This is an opportunity not to be missed! If more info is required, don’t hesitate to get in touch with [email protected] or 07453314867.

Coach Daniel reflects on EYBL experience.

London Elite participates in 2 age groups of European Youth Basketball League in season 19/20. As both teams completed their first stages, coach Daniel reflects on importance of participation in such a big basketball project.

“As I decided to enter two of our talented squads into the most competitive league in Europe, it was no brainer that we will face challenges that we cannot see in the UK”

“Any good youth coach always has a player development at the bottom of his heart. It is easy to realise players need the toughest possible challenge. Why? Because without continual growth and progress through falls, struggle and sacrifice, such words as improvement & success have NO MEANING.”

“Our U20 team finished their first stage with 1-4 record however progress made was stated by EYBL President “quickest improving team in EYBL”. As boys improving with each game it was obvious that young Londoners will collect the win. In game number 4 we beat Helsinki Rocks 61-58 behind 23 from Matthew Disu, whereas at the last game of tournament boys came inch away from collecting 2nd win however DSN Riga got away with 2 OT win”

Our U20 squad is currently in Riga, Latvia for their 2nd stage of EYBL. Boys will face BS Jugla, BC Ventspils, Sandvika BB, BC Liepaja and Myerscough.

Coach Daniel continues” We had decent preparation for this tournament, playing few competitive friendlies, working on our weakest sides which extensively improved our squad since the previous stage. Still, a great deal depends on our top scorers M.Disu and R. Murray, however, our squad is deeper and we have lots of players that can step up to that level and contribute significantly to our team.

Team Roster: K.Kolesnikovas, R.Murray, M.Disu, J.Alimi, K.Ogunbona, R.Bumba, T.Agbede, K.Hines.

Follow our social media for live updates!

IT IS JUST A BEGINNING.

Two of our boys teams took part in Hoop Dreams tournament which took place on 1st December at beautiful ACS Cobham venue.

Both squads are building on a successful start of the season as they started top Division of CBL London with perfect 2-0 record. Having done intensive preseason and played numerous friendlies our squads entered competitive tournament organised on monthly basis.

First two group games our squads won in convincing way. U16 beat Sevenoaks Suns and Bracknell Cobras booking their spot in final. Our younger team faced Richmond Knights and Woking Blackhawks and collected 2 solid wins on their way to the final.

U12 had their own final played first, facing Bracknell Cobras. Despite great effort from Cobras team our boys showed a great team effort and an offence execution, winning their first ever final and collecting first club ever trophy!

U12 Head Coach Daniel Szatkowski said: “it was a very beneficial day for us, great opportunity to rotate all players providing needed experience. Great to see boys collecting first ever trophy but i am more then sure this is just a beginning.”

Their older friends faced challenging game from Kingston Wildcats in final of their own. As result was tie at Half time, it was coach Mauro team they picked more intensity in 2nd half claiming 2nd trophy of the day winning by 8 points.

Head Coach Mauro said:” We are still learning and it is longer process. I am happy with effort boys put but we have lots to work on.”

Next game for U16 will be in CBL Division 1 as they face London Halos while our younger boys will visit high caliber tournament organised by Zoo Crew on 21st December.