Tag: Manchester Magic and Mystics

The Weekend Wrap

The Weekend Wrap 2022-23 Week 2

Saturday 1st October

Charnwood College Riders 43-87 Manchester Magic U18

Manchester Magic U18 open their season with an away win against Charnwood College Riders on Saturday evening to move to 1-0 in the Premier North.

Up next for Magic U18 is a home game against QE York Knights on Saturday 8th October at 12:30pm.

Trafford Magic U16 76–57 Derby Trailblazers

Trafford Magic U16 opened their league campaign with a home win against Derby Trailblazers on Saturday afternoon to move to 1-0 in the Premier North.

Up next for Trafford U16 is an away game against Northamptonshire Titans on Saturday 8th October at 1:15pm.

Manchester Mystics U14 3 28–56 Lancashire Spinners

Manchester Mystics U14 3 opened their league campaign with a home loss against Lancashire Spinners on Saturday afternoon to move to 0-1 in the North 1.

Up next for Mystics U14 3 is an away game against Newcastle Eagles on Sunday 9th October at 1:30pm.

Sunday 2nd October

Manchester Met Mystics 45–72 Leicester Riders

The Manchester Met Mystics moved to 0-2 in the WBBL championship after a loss at home against Leicester Riders on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics WBBL is an away game against Nottingham Wildcats on Saturday 8th October at 6:00pm.

Myerscough Basketball Academy 55-60 Trafford Magic U18 

Trafford Magic U18 opened their league campaign with an away win against Myerscough Basketball Academy on Sunday afternoon to move to 1-0 in the Premier North.

Up next for Trafford U18 is a home game against City of Leeds on Saturday 8th October at 3:00pm.

Manchester Mystics U16 78-33 Manchester Mystics U16 3 – National Cup Round 1

Manchester Mystics U16 advanced to the second round of the National Cup after a win in the in-house clash with Manchester Mystics U16 3 on Sunday afternoon.

In the second round of the Cup Mystics U16 will face Leicester Riders away on Sunday 16th October.

Up next for Mystics U16 is another in-house clash with Manchester Mystics 3, this time to begin their Premier North campaign on Monday 10th October at 7:45pm.

Up next for Mystics U16 3 is another in-house clash with Manchester Mystics, this time to begin their Premier North campaign on Monday 10th October at 7:45pm.

Leicester Riders 57-54 Manchester Mystics U16 2 – National Cup Round 1

Manchester Mystics U16 2 crash out in the first round of the National Cup after defeat at Leicester Riders on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U16 2 is an away game at Bristol Academy Flyers to begin their Premier North campaign on Saturday 8th October at 1:00pm.

Monday 3rd October

Manchester Mystics U18 2 44–83 Manchester Mystics U18

Manchester Mystics U18 2 opened their league campaign with a home loss against Manchester Mystics U18 on Monday evening to move to 0-1 in the Premier North, with Manchester Mystics U18 moving to 1-0.

Up next for Mystics U18 2 is a home game against Charnwood College Riders on Sunday 9th October at 3:00pm.

Up next for Mystics U18 2 is a home game against Cardiff Met Archers on Sunday 9th October at 12:30pm.

Your team performance of the week last week was Manchester Mystics U16 3 with 47% of the vote! Who was your team of the week this week? (vote closed)

The Weekend Wrap

The Weekend Wrap 2022-23 Week 1

The Weekend Wrap is back! We’ve decided to bring the popular feature known as the Weekend Wrap back for the 2022-23 season.

Manchester Magic KitKing Trophy Group D

Manchester Magic finish 4th in Group D of the KitKing Trophy with a 0-3 record, after a 79-64 opening day defeat on the road at Derby Trailblazers in game one last weekend. In game two, despite the backing from a raucous home crowd, the Magic suffered a narrow 70-76 defeat to Bradford Dragons. In their final game of the group stage the Magic lost out to a buzzer beating 3 from Team Newcastle, 61-60 the final score.

Up next for Magic D1 is an away trip to Thames Valley Cavaliers on Saturday 15th October at 6:30pm to begin the NBL Division 1 League campaign.

Manchester Met Mystics 60-74 Cardiff Met Archer – WBBL Championship

The new-look Manchester Met Mystics under new head coach Marg Jones opened their WBBL championship campaign with a disappointing home loss against Cardiff Met Archers.  

Up next for Mystics WBBL is a home game against Leicester Riders on Sunday 2nd October at 1:30pm.

Team Birmingham Elite 0-20 Manchester Mystics D2 – National Cup Round 1

The Manchester Mystics D2 side were handed a path to the second round of the National Cup after being awarded the game against Team Birmingham Elite.

Manchester Mystics D2 face a home game against Bromsgrove Bears in the second round on Sunday 23rd October.

Up next for Manchester Mystics D2 is a home game against Manchester Valkyries on Sunday 16th October at 5:30pm.

Manchester Giants Blue 48-87 Trafford Magic U18 – National Cup Round 1

Trafford Magic U18 2 advanced to the second round of the National Cup with great composure after a 48-87 victory over Manchester Giants Blue on Sunday afternoon.

Trafford Magic U18 face Manchester Giants Green/Leeds LDM at home in the second round on Sunday 16th October.

Up next for Trafford U18 is an away trip to Myerscough on Sunday 2nd October at 12:00noon

Cheshire Wire 2 43–85 Trafford Magic U16 – National Cup Round 1

Trafford Magic U16 2 advanced to the second round of the National Cup with relative ease after an 85-43 victory over Cheshire Wire 2 on Sunday afternoon.

Trafford Magic U16 face Leicester Riders at home in the second round on Sunday 16th October.

Up next for Trafford U16 is a home game against Derby Trailblazers on Saturday 1st October at 3:00pm.

Manchester Mystics U16 2 92-55 Newcastle Eagles – National Cup Preliminary

Manchester Mystics U16 2 advanced to the first round of the National Cup in style after a 92-55 victory over Newcastle Eagles on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U16 2 is a trip to Leicester Riders in the first round of the National Cup on Sunday 2nd October at 3:00pm.

Bromsgrove Bears 43-105 Manchester Mystics U16 3 – National Cup Preliminary

Manchester Mystics U16 3 advanced to the first round of the National Cup in epic fashion after a 105-43 road win at Bromsgrove Bears on Sunday afternoon.

Up next for Mystics U16 3 is an in-house clash with Manchester Mystics 1 in the first round of the National Cup on Sunday 2nd October at 3:00pm.

Manchester Magic and Mystics News

Phil Gordos leaving role as Manchester Magic and Mystics CEO after five years

Phil Gordos has decided to step down from his role as CEO of the Club after five years in his role and before that as a Trustee.

Chair of Trustees, Andrew Butterworth, thanked Phil for his contribution. “The Trustees would like to thank Phil for all his hard work and commitment over the past 5 years, especially during the unprecedented times of Covid. On behalf of the Trustees, the staff and all members of the Club, I would like to wish him well in whatever future endeavours he undertakes.”

Phil commented, “This has been one of the most rewarding roles I have ever undertaken. It has also been the most challenging. After more than five years of almost constant change coupled with the massive impact of a global pandemic, I felt it was time to step down.

“It will be a huge wrench to leave a club that has given me and my family so much. My boys grew up here and continue to benefit enormously from the opportunities the game of basketball has given them. The MBC has been a second home, too, and will remain a special place for us.

“I have also met and worked with so many wonderful people, some of whom are now close friends. Without their support, the job would have been impossible at times and I would like to thank everyone who has played their part in making this club the success story it is.

“It has been a privilege to have been CEO and I have no doubt that the Magic and Mystics will continue to go from strength to strength. I will always be a big fan.”

The Board of Trustees will be managing the club in the meantime until a new full time appointment can be made.

Please direct any queries to: morag@manchestermagicandmystics.co.uk

Manchester Magic and Mystics News

Paraskeva takes on Director of Basketball role

Peter Paraskeva has been appointed as the new Director of Basketball for the Manchester Magic and Manchester Mystics.

The move is designed to ensure both programmes are closely aligned in terms of standards, philosophy and coaching matters.

“I’m really excited at the prospect of tackling this new role,” said Paraskeva, a former Magic junior who earned international honours with England.

“Our club has had an extremely successful season and it’s important we continue to improve on our coaching delivery and nurturing of our young athletes.

“This is all made possible with the amazing group of passionate and dedicated volunteers that make the club what it is.

”The club is continuing its search for a new Head of Mystics.

The successful candidate will have responsibility for the entire girls’ programme, including the WEABL squad.The Magic and Mystics have enjoyed a great deal of success in 2021/22.

After winning the NBL U18 Men’s National Cup in February, they went on to qualify five teams for the NBL Junior Final Fours at the end of April.All five made their respective finals, with the U14 Mystics, the U16 Mystics and the U16 Magic all emerging as national champions.

To add to this success, Magic’s senior team won promotion to NBL Division One and claimed victory in the NBL Division Two Playoff Final at Belle Vue.

The Mystics senior team also enjoyed a season to remember, reaching the NBL Division Two Playoff Final in their first season back.

A significant number of juniors have also earned international honours with England and Wales, at U14, U15, U16 and U18 level.

A number of former Magic and Mystics juniors have also won silverware in the BBL and WBBL.

Magic and Mystics April Camps

Magic and Mystics April Basketball Camps

The Manchester Magic and Mystics have announced their April camps for 2022.

Week One:
Monday 4th April to Friday 8th April

Week one will cost £7.50 per session or 5 sessions for £35 and will run at the Manchester Basketball Centre, from 9am-12pm for 7 to 11 year olds and 1pm-4pm for 12 to 16 year olds.


Week Two:
Monday 11th April to Thursday 14th April

Week two will cost £7.50 per session or 4 sessions for £28 and will run at the Manchester Basketball Centre, from 9am-12pm for 7 to 11 year olds and 1pm-4pm for 12 to 16 year olds.

A sibling discount is available.

Please fill out the form to book your place: https://forms.gle/Q7ajK5XEQTUik7yP7

Once you have submitted the form, you will then receive an email confirming your booking and asking you to make payment.

Manchester Magic and Mystics News

Club Board adds two new Trustees

The club is delighted to announce the appointment of two new trustees, Morag Gilronan and John Keyes.

Both Morag and John have daughters in the Manchester Mystics programme and will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the board.

A social worker by profession, Morag is already the club’s safeguarding and welfare lead.

She has been involved in basketball on a volunteer basis for more than 10 years and has a passion for working with vulnerable people.

She has undertaken many roles within the social care sector.

John works as a property consultant and has experience in business, managing large teams and implementing major change projects.He is also a Level 2 Table Official.

Morag and John take the number of trustees to seven.

The other board members are: Andrew Butterworth (Chair); Neil Fairlamb (City Council); Doug Jones; Mark Leech; and Joe Forber (Founder Member of the Club).

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.

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/

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!”