4:30pm Monday 27th October 2008
The Teesside area will have a new, high profile basketball team to support this season as the Middlesbrough Lions prepare to compete in the National Founders Cup with their first game on Sunday 26th October, 4pm at home to Westleigh Warriorz from Leigh in Lancashire.
The National Founders Cup is a National Competition, which acts as the first stage for entry into the English National League. Last season’s competition witnessed a spectacular final in Derby between Kingston Wildcats and the eventual winners Lithuanians from London. The 83-82 score line, quite literally could not have been closer.
Middlesbrough will be hoping to wrestle away the dominance of Southern teams in previous years with the last Northern team to win the competition being Doncaster Eagles in 2001.
Middlesbrough will need to prove their credentials both on and off the court for National League entitlement and the club have ambitious plans in store for basketball fans in the area.
The club are close to signing a deal with Tees Valley Leisure, operators of Eston Sports Academy in a move that will see top class basketball return to the 1,200 capacity arena for the first time in three years. “Eston Sports Academy is the only venue in the area that can satisfy our ambitions both in terms of facilities and spectator capacity. We want to put on a show for fans, new and old, which will provide entertainment in every aspect from atmosphere to music to celebrity guests and of course the basketball itself.” said James Thomson, Club Owner and Coach.
Details of the deal are yet to be disclosed but sources indicate a significant partnership arrangement that will focus on a large scale campaign to deliver top class basketball and entertainment at Eston Sports Academy. “It’s vital that we do things right. All the pieces of the jigsaw need to be in place and then we have the task of reaching the public to let them know what is happening.” added Thomson.
Game Time, parent organisation of the Lions have spent the last three years heavily developing basketball in the area and have developed what is regarded as one of the best schools sports leagues in the UK in the Tees Schools League and this year launched a new College and Special Schools league to provide competitive action for their students. Game Time have a network of over 1000 students and staff at over 35 educational establishments and the aim is to provide them with an incentive to enjoy basketball in the area as participants in the various leagues operated by Game Time and spectators at Lions games. In addition to this Lions have an U15 National League team, local league and junior teams and a female team. The club encourages newcomers and anyone interested in playing basketball can contact Game Time on 01642 814221 or via www.game-time.co.uk Ultimately, the club are planning to stage an event that would challenge most BBL clubs around the country in terms of entertainment with cheerleaders, half time shows, VIP lounges and music from Principul. Principul is a local based R&B entertainer and DJ who has performed around the UK & Europe and his services have been secured to provide music and half time shows. Principul is excited about the potential of Middlesbrough Lions, saying “I have worked with James on a number of occasions including the Celebrity basketball games and he has a knack of making things work so as soon as I heard about his plans, I wanted to be involved.” Principul was pivotal in attracting world famous names to his club nights in the North East including Hip Hop superstar Coolio, Turkish break dancing champion Gizmo and dance group Flava of Britain’s Got Talent fame.
The club are planning a Press Day on Sunday 19th October (TBC) at Eston Sports Academy and are inviting fans to attend free of charge to have a taste of what is in store as the club give a trial run of all aspects of the event. The team will also be on display on the main court for an open practice session. The Press day is scheduled for 2-5pm although this has to be confirmed. Any updates will be announced in the press and via www.game-time.co.uk
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