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Our Sports Academy

Join the St Charles Cardinals

ST CHARLES CARDINALS LOGO (3)

We offer a Football and Basketball Academy. 

Study ANY Level 3 Academic Qualification & benefit from:

  • Bespoke Personal Development programme ​
  • Choice of Leadership/Elite performance/Officiating opportunities, guidance and qualifications​
  • Exclusive use of the newly refurbished fitness suite​
  • Full academy kit bundle
  • Professional coaching/training, expert video analysis, elite sports participation at regional and national level​
  • Choice of NGB qualifications, work experience and expert guidance​
  • UCAS/Degree apprenticeship/employment guidance ​
  • Fitness instruction/personal training qualification​
  • Transportation to fixtures​

St Charles Cardinals Basketball Academy based in the heart of West London focusing on Academic Progression and Basketball Excellence

Established in 2016, St Charles Cardinals Basketball Academy offers student-athletes academic progression and basketball excellence. 

St Charles Catholic Sixth Form College provides student-athletes with modern sports facilities, including a Basketball England-approved basketball court, computer labs and classrooms, and an indoor exercise gym. Cardinals is committed to providing high-quality coaching and education, including specialisations in skills and development, nutritional and physical assistance, and strength and conditioning. Students who join the academy can choose from any A-Level, T-Level or BTEC available at the college

The Cardinals have had a lot of success both on and off the court. They have made it to the Academy Basketball League (ABL) Finals twice, won the ABL championship in 2017, and have been seeded for college playoffs every year.

Graduates of the St. Charles Basketball Academy have pursued skilled careers through academic qualifications, and some have gone on to play high-level college basketball in the USA, represent the Great Britain National team, and play professionally in the UK and Europe.

Academy Timetable

• 12+ hours of basketball based around students’ academic timetable

• 2x team practices working on philosophy, defensive and offensive principles

• Strength & conditioning program designed to prevent injury enhance athleticism and strength

• Breakfast clubs available for court access and skill development

• Open court access for academy members

Academy Essentials

• 1-to-1.small group skill development sessions during free periods for 1st team Academy

• Guest lecturers and speakers for Sports psychology/nutrition Workshops

• Classroom sessions for team scout and individual improvements

• Academy games recorded with Veo

• Study Hall to help students progress academically

• Nike Academy Tracksuit & St Charles Practice Kit (*Purchased separately)

Brent Bulls Club Partnership

•  The partnership provides St Charles students opportunities play in the Junior National Basketball League (U18)

•  Providing official Basketball England courses and qualifications

•  Work Experience - Coaching & Officiating opportunities within the local community

•  University Pathway connections

 

All staff, parents and visitors have a statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of students. Please click here for more information on safeguarding.

Academy Coaching Staff

Head of Basketball – Clive Castillo

Clive Castillo has been involved with the basketball UK scene for over ten years, competing at National League, Local League & University level. He works across different age groups, delivering sports and basketball sessions in Primary Schools, High Schools, College & Universities across the UK and has experience coaching internationally for camps and clubs.

Clive is a Level 3 Basketball England coach and is known for his success in the London community over the years developing local basketball programmes, effective international and domestic recruitment and delivering results on and off the court. He also works for the Basketball England Federation, delivering courses and leading in his community and previously working with the Mayor of London, NBA UK, London Basketball Association and Sports Structures.

Clive officially joined the St Charles Spartans in 2022 and led the team in the European Youth Basketball League (EYBL), the colleges first European competition.

Athletic Director - Dean Banks

Dean Banks was named Athletic Director at the college in 2016, where he helped play a key role in the College’s national championship the same season. As Athletic director, he is responsible for overseeing all of St Charles' sports teams ranging from Basketball, Football, Rugby and more. He also helps organise all fixtures. Dean serves as the head football coach at the college winning three national championships.

E-Mail: coach.clivecastillo@gmail.com

Phone: 07896604651

Other Staff Members:

2nd Team Head Coach & Skills Development Coach – Franco Jardiel

Girls Head Coach – Gina Gheorghe

Players Testimonials

The thing I love about St Charles is they teach players to think the game. They learned about leadership, how to communicate, how to stretch yourself, take on risk—life lessons. It’s a different level of understanding of the game.

- Mohamed Elmoutasim Mohamed, Finals MVP (currently a student athlete for UEL).

It was a great experience that really helped me grow not only on the court but off as well. The basketball and schooling provided me with the necessary tools to move on to the next level

- Kyane Henry (Currently playing college basketball for Jacksonville States

My time at St Charles was a great experience. The basketball program gave me the opportunity to learn and develop aspects of my life both physically and mentally. The lessons I learnt there have prepared me for many of the different challenges of life and have shaped me into the man I am today.

- Jordan Gray (Currently studying masters in sports science at Colchester University and playing Division 1 Mens at Essex Blades)