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Manchester Magic U18 National Cup Winners 2021-22

More Cup success for Magic

Manchester Magic have added another piece of silverware to their trophy cabinet.

The U18s beat Sussex Storm 70-66 in an exciting National Cup final in Belle Vue.

The Magic dominated from the start, repelling a late run by the Storm to clinch their eight success in the competition and the club’s 24th National Cup win at junior level.

Magic guard Zak Moore was named MVP at the National Basketball Performance Centre after collecting 22 points, with 5 steals, 2 assists and 3 rebounds.

Mystics U16 fell just short in their quest, losing out 72-70 to GCA Haringey Angels in a pulsating final in front of fantastic home support.

Jordan and Patrick Whelan

Brothers in Arms

Big congratulations to two outstanding basketball players who spent 7 years in the Magic programme learning their skills.

The Whelan brothers, Jordan and Patrick, compete in the BBL Cup Final in Birmingham on Sunday 30th January on opposite sides! Jordan is with Manchester Giants and Patrick is with Leicester Riders.

Jordan, the older brother, left the Club at 18 years to play College ball in the USA, firstly at Frank Phillips College in Texas, then to Mid-American Nazarene University in Kansas. After finishing his College career, he secured a 2-year Pro contract in Germany before returning to England to play BBL basketball at Worcester, London Lions and finally returned to play for his local BBL team, Manchester Giants.

Patrick spent 4 years at William Jewell College (NCAA Division 2) in Missouri after finishing his A Levels in England. He then took up the offer of a Pro contract in Spain (LEB Gold/Silver) for 3 years. He is now in the first year of a 2-year Masters course at Loughborough University whilst playing for Leicester Riders.

Both brothers are very fine products of our Magic programme and excellent examples of the standards we try to instil at the Magic, both on and off the floor.

We wish them all the best in the Cup Final and remain neutral about the result!

The brothers appeared on The BBL Show to discuss facing off in the Final:

Douglas Kelshaw

Mystics and Magic mourn loss of Dougie Kelshaw

The club is extremely shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Dougie Kelshaw.

Husband of Danielle and father of Freya and Niamh, both very talented players who came through the Manchester Mystics programme, Dougie was a long-time supporter of our work.

He volunteered his time in many ways, from table official to minibus driver, and was awarded the Brian Dobson Award in 2015, together with Danielle, for his services to the club.

Arguably his biggest impact was as a passionate and enthusiastic supporter of many of the girls and boys who came through the doors of the Manchester Basketball Centre.

He was never short of an encouraging word or some well-timed advice.

“From a personal point of view, Dougie was one of the first people I got to know when my own boys joined the club back in 2012,” said club chief executive Phil Gordos.

“He was a larger-than-life character who went out of his way to help, in whatever way he could, not just supporting his own daughters but many other youngsters as well.

“He had a positive impact on a lot of people and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Danielle, Freya, Niamh and all those who were close to him.”

SUEZ

Junior programme lands SUEZ sponsorship

Manchester Magic and Manchester Mystics have sealed a sponsorship agreement with waste management company SUEZ for the 2021/22 season.

SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, which operates the waste and resources contracts on behalf of Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), will provide financial backing to the club’s junior programme.

“After such a challenging time over the past 18 months, the support from SUEZ is invaluable as we prepare for the new campaign,” said club CEO Phil Gordos.

“We will be fielding 17 junior teams in the NBL for 2021/22, one of the largest ever entries we’ve put together, so it’s an exciting time to be part of the Magic and Mystics family.

“We’re delighted SUEZ are on board and look forward to working with them.”

Anna Bell, Contract Director for SUEZ in Greater Manchester, added: “We are committed to supporting organisations across Greater Manchester and enabling communities, which is why we are proud to be sponsoring Manchester Magic and Manchester Mystics.

“We know how important this support is in maintaining the activity for youth teams in Manchester, and wish them luck for the season!”

Based at the Manchester Basketball Centre in Whalley Range, Magic and Mystics run one of the biggest and most successful junior programmes in the country.

Since 2000, they have won more than 50 national titles and developed dozens of junior internationals, with many more securing scholarships to play and study in the USA.

About SUEZ:

SUEZ recycling and recovery UK operate the waste and resources contracts on behalf of Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), managing 1.1 million tonnes of municipal waste from more than 1 million households across 9 Greater Manchester districts (Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside and Trafford).

For more info about SUEZ, visit their website: https://www.suez.co.uk/

Manchester Magic and Mystics team up with The Manchester College

Magic and Mystics join forces with The Manchester College

Manchester Magic and Manchester Mystics have teamed up with The Manchester College to form a ground-breaking new basketball partnership in the city. 

The initiative, which joins one of the biggest and most successful junior basketball programmes in the country with one of the biggest sixth form colleges, will benefit student-athletes looking to take their basketball to the next level.

It will also generate countless opportunities for pupils interested in coaching, refereeing, sports media, sports marketing and sports merchandise.

“We’re so excited about the potential of this partnership and what it could mean for Manchester,”  said Magic and Mystics chief executive Phil Gordos.

“This is not just about unearthing the next generation of basketball players, we’re also looking to build a programme that will develop coaches, referees and table officials. 

“It’s a great fit. We’re both ambitious and we both want to provide opportunities for young people in the city.”

The two parties will work together to provide an education and basketball programme that will give students the chance to excel in the classroom and on the court.

The Manchester College already runs a basketball programme and is one of the largest further education colleges in the country.

“This is a great opportunity for us as a college to extend our basketball offer,” said Hayley Francis, TMC’s Head of Department Sport, Public Service and Criminology.

“The Manchester Magic and Mystics are a great organisation and a pillar within the community which not only increases our reach but gives present and future students the opportunity to study and play basketball at a level that suits, from participation to elite.

“I believe this is the start of something great, as both organisations have the same vision and drive.”

TMC is also close to completing the construction of a new state-of-the-art teaching facility in Openshaw that will include a two-court basketball hall, an S&C gym, a sports analysis suite and a sports science laboratory.

“This is a fabulous opportunity to partner with the Manchester Magic and Mystics, and the timing could not be better,” said TMC’s Head Basketball Coach and Sport Tutor Ambokile Bell.

“We have always had a basketball offer here at the college for enrichment participation.

“However, with this partnership, we can now extend it to suit the needs of our students that aspire to play at a high level during their time here at The Manchester College. 

“With a range of courses from entry level to degree level, we can now officially announce a basketball programme with one of the most successful community and junior basketball programmes in the country.”

The Magic and Mystics have a proven track record of developing talent, winning more than 50 national junior titles since 2000.

They have also developed dozens of internationals and helped many players earn lucrative scholarships to play and study in the USA.

The club also runs an elite academy for boys and girls that plays in the EABL and WEABL.

“There is so much talent here in the city and across Greater Manchester that it makes perfect sense to work with The Manchester College,” added Gordos.

“With our expertise and knowledge, we believe we can enhance the great work the college already does and we can help each other to thrive.”

Junior Welfare Ambassador

Club appoints first ever junior welfare ambassador

Manchester Magic and Mystics have appointed their first junior welfare ambassador.

Darcey Gordon, a talented guard with the Mystics Academy, has agreed to take on the new role, which will enhance the work of the club’s welfare team.

Darcey joined the club as a 14-year-old and has also represented the North West regional team.

Now 18, she will begin life as a university student in the city in September but will remain a key member of the junior programme.

Darcey will work alongside Morag Gilronan, who leads the club’s welfare team.

“Darcey’s understanding of young people issues, her approachability and her commitment in supporting the club and individuals in areas of welfare, as well as her understanding of competing in elite leagues, will be of great benefit to the programme,” said Morag.

Darcey added: “I am delighted and honoured to be the first Junior Welfare Ambassador for Manchester Magic & Mystics.

“I hope that my experience will serve as a voice for young people associated with the club and I hope to continue helping team members with their welfare and development.

“I will approach this role with the same level of enthusiasm and enjoyment that I get playing with Mystics. I can’t wait to start!”

Mystics to resume U12 development programme

Mystics to resume U12 development programme

The Manchester Mystics will re-start their training sessions for girls in Years 4 to 7 on Friday, 16th April.

If you are interested in being coached by one of the best junior basketball programmes in the country, then fill out the form below.

Sessions run from 5.45pm-7.15pm at the Manchester Basketball Centre, which is located on the site of Whalley Range High School (M16 8GW).

First session is free for all new players.

To register your interest in the U12 development programme, please click on the following link: here

Magic and Mystics MMU

Magic and Mystics Juniors to get nutrition advice

Manchester Magic and Manchester Mystics are launching a sports nutrition programme for their Junior National Basketball League teams.

The club has teamed up with Manchester Metropolitan University to run the project, which will enhance its offer to boys and girls in its Under-12. Under-14, Under-16 and Under-18 age groups.

“Eating the right food and drinking the right fluids is hugely important to a player’s development,” said club chief executive Phil Gordos.

“We’ve already established a fantastic working relationship with MMU, who help run our strength and conditioning programme for our Academy teams.

“This new programme only strengthens our links with the university, who have a wealth of expertise in a number of key areas and are very keen to work with us.”

More than 180 players and coaches will benefit from the sports nutrition programme, which will begin later in January with a virtual presentation to coaches.

“It’s a brilliant opportunity for students and myself to be working with Manchester Magic and Manchester Mystics, allowing us to bring our expertise in sports nutrition to the players,” said Dr James Cameron, MMU’s Senior Lecturer in Sport Nutrition.

“Our aim is to help players give themselves the best chance in training and competition and also to help those around the players gain a further understanding of the nutritional requirements of the athlete.”

Magic and Mystics run one of the leading junior basketball programmes in the United Kingdom.

They have won more than 50 national titles since 2000 and have developed dozens of internationals in that time.

The club also runs a thriving Academy programme, playing in the EABL and WEABL.

Ex-Magic junior Ani ready for Bayern Challenge

Ex-Magic junior Ani ready for Bayern challenge

Jason Ani was heading to the United States after securing a move to top prep outfit Hillcrest in Arizona after ending his junior career with Manchester Magic.

But visa issues amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic meant the former Loreto Sixth Form College and St Peter’s RC High School student chose Europe instead.

And after a successful workout with Bayern, the 6ft 4in guard, a key member of Magic’s EABL and Senior Men programmes, will spend this season playing Pro B and U19 basketball for the club.

How did the move to Bayern come about?

JA: “Playing in Germany, my home country, had always been at the back of my mind, but I never really took it seriously until late September, when I wasn’t being granted a visa to fly to the United States. I had a team-mate I played AAU with in the States who had played in Germany. One day, I just texted him and asked if he could reach out to some teams for me. He gave my highlights to his coach who knew a few coaches in Germany. Around two days later, I got a phone call in the morning from Bayern, asking me to trial and that they were interested.”

What are your first impressions of the club?

JA: “When I first got to Bayern, my mind was blown. Their facilities are, in my opinion, NBA-level. They had everything. Even the younger players are treated like professionals. They really take it seriously and that’s what helped make my mind up. I felt like Bayern could get me to the level I need to be at to reach my full potential.”

How tough was it to turn down Hillcrest?

JA: “It was very tough. I’m not great at having tough conversations with people. It stressed me out at first because I really wanted to go there and it was already all over social media that I was going to the US. After thinking it through, the best option was definitely Bayern.”

What are your goals with Bayern?

JA: “After this year, I am going to evaluate my options. I love it here but, really and truly, my first goal is to play Division 1 basketball in the States. If I get the opportunity to play at a programme that’s big enough to be on the level of Bayern, then I may consider it. If not, then I will turn pro and hopefully continue playing at Bayern.”

Which Magic players are you still in contact with?

JA: “I talk to a few guys from my team, especially the ones who are in the States, like Saul (May) and Luke (Gordos). I always want to know how things are going. I also keep in touch with the younger players in the current Magic U18 squad as they’ve known me from a young age. They ask me for advice a lot and I’m always there to help out because I relied on older players, like Kaiyem (Cleary) and Mike (Anumba). They taught me things and helped out a lot.”

Good luck at Bayern, Jason. We’ll be following your progress.

Dot Booth

It is with great sadness that the Club has learned of the passing of Dot Booth

The club is extremely saddened to learn that club volunteer Dot Booth has passed away after a short illness.

Dot was often the friendly face spectators were greeted by whenever they turned up to buy their tickets to watch the Manchester Magic’s senior team play at the Manchester Basketball Centre.

She was also heavily involved in the Haris Charalambous Memorial Basketball Tournament and supported many of the club’s other events and initiatives.

Dot will be missed by everyone at the club and we are thinking of her husband, Norman, and the rest of her family at this very difficult time.

“Dot was a true club volunteer who had been with us since we opened the centre in 2002,” said Joe Forber, co-founder of Greater Manchester Community Basketball.

“She was always totally supportive of all we do for the youngsters and also for the Magic senior players on Saturday evenings.

“She will leave a big hole to fill in the club and will be sadly missed by all.”

The family has asked that any donations be made to the 1st Flixton Scout Group.