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.