Loughborough University: Loughborough Basketball and Leicester Riders strengthen relationship

Loughborough Basketball and the Leicester Riders have strengthened their working relationship ahead of the new British Basketball League campaign.

As part of the new arrangement, a five-year strategy has been developed and a new strategic board established to enhance and provide direction for basketball at Loughborough.

Loughborough Sport and Leicester Riders already enjoy a successful partnership, with Riders coaches Krumesh Patel and Will Maynard coaching the Women’s British Basketball League women’s team and Division One men’s team on campus.

There are several current students representing the university in BUCS as well as the Leicester Riders in the British Basketball League, including GB players Patrick Whelan and Connor Washington.

Russell Levenston, Managing Director of Leicester Riders, said: “We have always worked very closely with the University and the pathway that we have created in partnership with Loughborough Sport for players, coaches and volunteers provides quality opportunities for students to get involved in basketball.”

Ian Knott, Head of Sports Development at Loughborough University added: “We not only want to encourage University staff to go to the Morningside Arena and support our students representing the Riders, but there is also lots of quality basketball on campus.”

Loughborough University is a key part of the history of Leicester Riders basketball club. The Riders were founded at the University in 1967 by Loughborough students and they played their home games on campus whilst their new home, Morningside Arena, was under construction.

Leicester Riders have gifted four season tickets to the University, and Loughborough Sport is therefore offering staff the opportunity to watch local elite basketball for free.