See bottom of page for 2023/24 Academy player selections & training dates

The Basketball Ireland Academy Programme

The Basketball Ireland Regional and Provincial Academy structure is the foundation of a development pathway for  players and coaches with an ambition and potential to perform at the highest levels of our sport.

It opens a development and performance pathway for more players across the country in a time when there are more National League opportunities presenting themselves country wide as well as being the pathway to the international teams. 

“More players, better players, playing for longer”.

What are the objectives of the Basketball Ireland Academies?

To identify and recruit players and coaches that demonstrate the most talent and potential for future success in their basketball careers.

Early Intervention to better prepare players for participation and success in the U16 International programmes. The Basketball Ireland Provincial Academies are the primary route for all players that wish to be considered for the U16 National Teams along with providing the skills required to play basketball at the highest level.

The role of the academies is to widen the net for potential high-level players with the attributes to play at the highest level and to expose more players to high level coaching and playing. To give opportunities to players who are still developing or who are new to the sport but show many of the attributes required to develop into a high-level basketball player. 

Investment in the long-term development of all players that show potential and commitment, propelling them towards success in local, regional, national, and international competition.

What age groups are affected?

U14 Regional Academies

  • To be eligible for the U14 Regional Academies, players must not turn 14 before December 31st in the year they apply.
  • To be eligible for the U15 Regional Academies, players must not turn 15 before December 31st in the year they apply. 

There are more talented athletes playing basketball than ever before and it is envisaged that this system – over the next three to five years - will produce a much larger group of international-standard players and increase competition and standard dramatically. Ireland has already shown that we can compete at all levels, but strength in depth has been an issue. Introducing international-standard concepts and skills to a wider group, at an earlier age, over a longer period will yield a stronger pool of players over time.

Basketball Ireland Academy Player Pathway

Under 14 Regional Academy

The Under 14 Academy is open to any player of any nationality. Skill development is the key objective for this age group and getting players ready for the advanced learning required for International Basketball but there is also a large element of supporting the work being done at club and school level to help all players reach their potential.

U14 Region

Counties

East North

Dublin North, Louth

East South

Dublin South, Wicklow

Midlands

Laois, Offaly, Westmeath, , Longford, North Tipperary, South Kildare

North

Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone, Meath, Cavan, Monaghan.

Northwest

Donegal, North Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, North Roscommon

South

Cork

Southeast

Waterford, Kilkenny, Carlow, Wexford, South Tipperary

Southwest

Kerry, Limerick

West:

Clare, Galway, South Mayo, South Roscommon

Under 15 Provincial Academy

The Under 15 Academy is the route players that live and play in Ireland must take to be selected for the Under 16 Irish International team. Players without an Irish passport can join the Academy with the approval of the EPC but requires parents to start the process of naturalisation to make them eligible to play for Ireland under FIBA rules. For any questions on eligibility please contact the International Liaison officer Matthew Hall by email mhall@ireland.basketball. There will be no open talent ID sessions for the Under 16 international squad.

Under 16 International Teams are selected during August / September the season before the European Championships for which the squad will be taking part directly from the Academy sessions. for example, the 2025 squad is selected in August / September of 2024. The squad will be selected from the Under 15 Academy class except for players living and playing outside of Ireland who may be brought into the squad on trial and players that are from the Under 14 age group. Exceptional circumstances will always be considered and judged by the EPC on a case-by-case basis.

Parents Information - U15 Academy Selections

VIEW

U15 Boys Selections

U15 Girls Selections

Cost of the Academy

The cost of the Academy will once again be €240 for the year up until the end of May, which includes the players’ academy kit and all training sessions. Unfortunately, once again this year we will not be able to run the u15 2-day camp as venues with accommodation are not available before the end of May. We are still working on this so will let parents know if this changes.  

We do have a scholarship program running again this year for economically disadvantaged families. The aim is to make sure no players with the talent to be selected miss out for financial reasons. Once selections have been made, we will send out information about payments and information on how to apply for a scholarship. If you have any questions or concerns in this area please get in touch after selections are made and we will do our best to help.

Dates to Note

  • Sunday 19th of November 21:00 – Deadline for accepting players’ place on the academy and completing registration via the XPS app (details for this will appear along with selections). All selected players will receive an email from Sideline Sports once the selections are announced with the links for XPS network software and individual account login details.
  • Wednesday 22nd of November – Payment information and scholarship application process sent to all selected players/parents.
  • December 2nd/3rd first u15 academy sessions will take place. Dates, times and venues will appear on the academy page of the website and in the XPS app Calander. Instructions of our to mark your attendance or absence via the XPS app will be sent on XPS once all players are registered.

Basketball Ireland Academy FAQs - Not Selected

NOT SELECTED? 

  • My child was not selected. What next?
  • The aim is not to miss players so whilst we do have limited places on the academy if players are performing to a very high level at club level it will get noticed by coaches and players can be invited by regional head coaches to a future session as a trial.
  • My child missed one of the talent ID sessions, does this make a difference when coaches make selections?
  • No the aim is not to miss players that show signs of being a future elite level basketball player. We have two talent ID sessions to allow for players that may not be able to make a session for one reason or another. Attending 2 sessions allows coaches to view players more and get a better understanding of their level but that works both ways. Players just attending one session are judged on that session but there is no penalty or negative judgment if a player only attends one talent ID session.
  • If we do not wish to take up a place in the academy?
  • Please complete the very short information sheet on the link provided so we can release their place to someone else.
  • My child was not selected, does this rule them out of the under 16 national team?
  • No, there will be open trials again at the under 15 age group. Players at this age group are growing, maturing, and gaining new skills every day so the door is never closed for players that have improved at any point during the pathway program.
  • What is the pathway programme?
  • Basketball Irelands player pathway program can viewed via Player Pathway explained

Parents Information - U14 Academy Selections

VIEW

U14 BOYS SELECTIONS

U14 GIRLS SELECTIONS


Cost of the Academy

The cost of the Academy will once again be €220 for the year up until the end of May which includes the players’ academy kit and all training sessions. We do intend to hold a 2-day 1 night camp, which will be optional but will carry an extra charge.

This is booked for the university of Limerick on the weekend of May 25th/26th. We will provide details of this camp later in the year, but players will only be charged for the cost of accommodation and food. 

We do have a scholarship programme running again this year for economically disadvantaged families. The aim is to make sure no players with the talent to be selected miss out for financial reasons. Once selections have been made, we will send out information about payments and information on how to apply for a scholarship. If you have any questions or concerns in this area please get in touch after selections are made and we will do our best to help.

Basketball Ireland Academy Calendar 2023/24

March

U17:     Saturday 23rd or Sunday 24th – Academy Session

Easter Holidays: ROI: Schools close on Friday March 22nd and reopen on Monday April 8th

NI: March Thursday 29th – Monday April 8th


April

U14:     Monday 1st to Friday 5th – Academy Session

Saturday 13th or Sunday 14th – Academy Session – Girls Only

            Saturday 20th or Sunday 21st – Academy Session – Boy’s Only

U15:     Monday 1st to Friday 5th – Academy Session or Camp

            Saturday 13th or Sunday 14th – Academy Session – Girls Only

            Saturday 20th or Sunday 21st – Academy Session – Boy’s Only

U17:     Saturday 13th or Sunday 14th – Academy Session – Girls Only

            Saturday 20th or Sunday 21st – Academy Session – Boy’s Only


May

U14:     Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th – U14 Academy Camp

U15:     Saturday 11th or Sunday 12th – Academy Session

            Saturday 18th – Girls Inter Provincial Tournament – End of Programme

            Sunday 19th – Boy’s Inter Provincial Tournament – End of Programme

U17:     Saturday 4th or Sunday 5th – Academy Session

            Saturday 11th or Sunday 12th – Academy Session


June

U14:     Saturday 8th or Sunday 9th – Academy Mini Tournament – Regions will be combined

Note: Summer Programme Details will be finalised later in the year

Boys U14/U15 Academy Coaches

Boys U14 Regional Academy coaches

 Region Head Coach Assistant Assistant Assistant Email
East- North Gareth Winders Andrew Brady Zoran Stankovic

BIU14eastnorthboys@gmail.com

East - South Ian Lynch William Lynch Shauna Kavanagh Alex Kiernan

BIU14eastsouthboys@gmail.com 

North Gavin Garland John O’ Brien northboysu14@gmail.com
North West Laura Deeney Johnny Fierstein northwestu14boys@gmail.com
West Ciaran McGroggan Declan Fahey biu14westboys@gmail.com
South West Dave Barry Jordan Hehir Kevin Moran Biu14southwestboys@gmail.com
South Keith Daly James McSweeney bisouthboysu14@gmail.com
South East  Brian O'Neill Matt Biernat

Biu14southeastboys@gmail.com

Midlands Ciaran Kiveney Mickie Gormley bimidlandsboysu14@gmail.com

Boys U15 Provincial Academy coaches

  Head Coach Assistant Email
Connacht Ben Kelly Keighlum Ledwith biconnachtboysu15@gmail.com
Ulster Laura Deeney Brendan McCoy biulsterboysu15@gmail.com
Munster Paul Kelleher Jack Curran & Jim Hughes bimunsterboysu15@gmail.com
Leinster Ciaran Kiveney Sheena Moran & Jack Scully uboysacademy@gmail.com

Girls U14/U15 Academy Coaches

Girls U14 Regional Academy head coaches

  Head Coach Assistant Email
East - North Elaine Scally Orla Brennan Andrius Gerve BIU14eastnorthgirls@gmail.com 
East - South Robert Bree David Doran BIU14eastsouthgirls@gmail.com 
North Gavin Garland Stephen McGeough northgirlsu14@gmail.com
North West Laura Deeney Johnny Fierstein Emer Healy northwestgirlsu14@gmail.com
West Paul O'Brien Laura Lopez biwestgirlsu14@yahoo.com
South West Kelly Ahern Aoibhinn Morrissey Rachel Creedon Bisouthwestgirlsu14@gmail.com
South Dominic Foster Sara Perrsson Jen Dinan Bisouthgirlsu14@gmail.com
South East Niall Berry Johnny Gleeson Biu14southeastgirls@gmail.com
Midlands Alyssa Velles Megan Dunne Jessica Fressle bimidlandsgirlsu14@gmail.com

Girls U15 Provincial Academy head coaches

  Head Coach Assistant Email
Connacht Paul O'Brien Mikaela Dodig biconnachtgirlsu15@gmail.com
Ulster Laura Deeney

Stephen McArdle

biulstergirlsu15@gmail.com
Munster Paul Kelleher Niall O'Connell & Sara Perrsson bimunstergirlsu15@gmail.com
Leinster Dave Earley Conor Farrington & Emer Branigan bileinsteru15girls@gmail.com 

U14/15 Academy Training Dates

Boys U14 Regional Academy

Boys Regions - U14 Day / Date Venue Time
East - North Friday April 5th Portmarnock Community School 10:00-13:00
Sunday April 21st St. Vincent's Secondary School 15:00-18:00
East - South  Mon April 1st  Colaiste Eanna 13:00-16:00
Sunday April 21st St. Columba's College 14:30-17:30
North Tuesday April 2nd Queen's University, Belfast 11:00-14:00
Saturday April 20th Queen's University, Belfast 12:00-15:00
North West Wednesday April 3rd Colaiste Cholmcille, Ballyshannon 10:00-13:00
Sunday April 21st Abbey Vocational, Donegal Town 13:00-16:00
West Friday March 29th Corrandulla 10:00-13:00
Saturday April 20th Corrandulla 10:00-13:00
South West Tuesday April 2nd University of Limerick Arena 11:00-14:00
Saturday April 20th Limerick Educate Together SS 14:00-17:00
South Wednesday April 3rd Neptune Stadium 13:00-16:00
Sunday April 21st Neptune Stadium 09:00-12:00
South East Wednesday April 3rd De La Salle College, Waterford  14:00-17:00
Sunday April 21st De La Salle College, Waterford  13:00-16:00
Midlands  Friday April 5th St. Mary's Hall, Portlaoise 12:00-15:00
Sunday April 21st SHS Tullamore 10:00-13:00

Boys U15 Provincial Academy

Boys Provinces - U15 Day / Date Venue Time
Connacht Tuesday April 2nd Gormanston Park 11:00-17:00
Sunday April 21st Salerno Secondary School 15:00-18:00
Leinster Tuesday April 2nd Gormanston Park 11:00-17:00
Saturday April 20th Presentation College, Terenure 17:00-20:00
Munster Tuesday April 2nd Gormanston Park 11:00-17:00
Friday April 19th Neptune Stadium 19:00-22:00
Ulster Tuesday April 2nd Gormanston Park 11:00-17:00
Wednesday April 3rd Colaiste Oiriall, Monaghan 13:00-16:00
Saturday April 20th St. Macartan's College, Monaghan 10:00-13:00

Girls U14 Regional Academy

Girls Regions - U14 Day / Date Venue Time
East - North Tuesday April 2nd Balbriggan Sports Centre 11:00-15:00
Saturday April 13th Balbriggan Sports Centre 14:00-17:00
East - South  Friday April 5th  Marian College 16:00-19:00
Saturday April 13th Marian College 15:00-18:00
North Tuesday April 2nd Queen's University, Belfast 14:00-17:00
Sunday April 14th Our Ladies Castleblaney 17:00-20:00
North West Wednesday April 3rd Colaiste Cholmcille, Ballyshannon 13:30-16:30
Sunday April 14th Abbey Vocational, Donegal Town 13:00-16:00
West N/A N/A N/A
Saturday April 13th Corrandulla Community Centre 10:00-13:00
South West Friday April 5th  NCW Community Hall 11:00-14:00
Sunday April 14th Kerry Sports Academy 11:00-14:00
South Thursday April 4th Neptune Stadium 10:00-13:00
Saturday April 13th  Neptune Stadium 10:00-13:00
South East Thursday April 4th Old Leighlin Community Hall 16:00-19:00
Sunday April 14th Mercy Secondary School Waterford 10:00-13:00
Midlands  Wednesday April 3rd SHS Tullamore 17:00-20:00
Saturday April 13th SHS Tullamore 10:00-13:00

Girls U15 Provincial Academy

Girls Province - U15 Day / Date Venue Time
Connacht Thursday March 28th Gormanston Park 11:00-17:00
Saturday April 13th Corrandulla Community Centre 13:00-16:00
Leinster Thursday March 28th Gormanston Park 11:00-17:00
Saturday April 13th Marian College 12:00-15:00
Munster Thursday March 28th Gormanston Park 11:00-17:00
Friday April 12th Neptune Stadium 19:00-22:00
Ulster Thursday March 28th Gormanston Park 11:00-17:00
Wednesday April 3rd Colaiste Oiriall, Monaghan 10:00-13:00
Saturday April 13th Colaiste Oiriall, Monaghan 10:00-13:00

U17 Academy Coaches

GIRLS

Coach Coach Coach Coach
TBC Andy Gill Ger Jago TBC

BOYS

Coach Coach Coach Coach
Ciaran Kiveney Jason Barry Nollaig Cunningham Elijah Faapito

U17 National Academy Programme Training Dates

GIRLS


BOYS



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