Club & Academy Partnerships

A platform that supports development.
A pathway that works with the ecosystem — not against it.

Next Play UK was designed to complement the work already happening across British basketball.

Clubs, academies and community programmes sit at the foundation of the sport — and our pathway builds on that foundation by offering players additional opportunities for visibility, competition and growth.

This isn’t a replacement for club development.
It’s a platform that enhances it.

Respectful. Collaborative. Player-centred.

We recognise the commitment clubs and academies make to their athletes.
Our role is simple:

• ADD VALUE
• EXPAND OPPORTUNITY
• PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PATHWAYS
• SHOWCASE TALENT
• BUILD NATIONAL VISIBILITY
• SUPPORT LONG-TERM PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

We aim to work alongside coaches, not over them.

More rep opportunities.
More visibility.
More routes for players to progress.

We offer:

1. A NATIONAL PATHWAY

A structured system connecting:

• Open Trials
• KOTC Regional Tournaments
• Video Submissions
• Final Assessment Day
• NXT U23 League

This helps players understand where they stand — and where to aim next.

2. ADDITIONAL COMPETITIVE PLATFORMS

KOTC tournaments give athletes opportunities for high-intensity play that complements their club schedule.

3. VISIBILITY & FILM

Every major stage of our pathway is captured, analysed and fed into:

• highlight reels
• scouting content
• progression reports
• league film

Players become easier to track, evaluate and support.

4. PLAYER SUPPORT & GUIDANCE

We help players identify what level they’re ready for and where they can realistically progress next — supporting the work done by clubs and coaches.

We work with clubs and academies in several ways:

1. SHARED PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

We encourage dual support — athletes remain committed to their club while accessing additional competitive opportunities through the pathway.

2. TRANSPARENT COMMUNICATION

Coaches can contact us about their players, share concerns, or highlight athletes they believe are ready for further opportunity.

3. RECOMMENDATIONS & INVITATIONS

Clubs and academies may recommend athletes for:

• KOTC Regional Tournaments
• Video Submission consideration
• Final Assessment Day

This gives coaches a say in the process.

4. SCHEDULING CONSIDERATION

We aim to avoid clashes with major club commitments wherever possible.

5. NO POACHING / NO INTERFERENCE

We do not attempt to remove athletes from their clubs or disrupt team environments.
Our role is supplementary — not competitive.

Partnership with Next Play UK helps clubs and academies by giving their athletes:

• MORE COMPETITIVE REPS
• EXPOSURE TO DIFFERENT PLAY STYLES
• HIGH-LEVEL FEEDBACK
• MOTIVATIONAL MILESTONES
• TARGETS TO WORK TOWARD
• A STAGE BEYOND LOCAL OR REGIONAL LEVEL
• A PATHWAY THAT SETS CLEAR GOALS

Players stay motivated.
Coaches get more information.
Development becomes more holistic.

Working with us offers several advantages:

EXTERNAL EVALUATION

A second set of professional eyes can help validate and support your own assessments.

INCREASED PLAYER RETENTION

Athletes who feel seen and supported are more likely to stay committed.

SHARED DEVELOPMENT RESPONSIBILITY

We help identify gaps and opportunities, reducing pressure on clubs to provide everything.

PLAYER VISIBILITY

Clubs benefit when their athletes are recognised and progress — it strengthens reputation and helps with recruitment.

NATIONAL CONNECTION

Being part of a wider pathway builds relationships and opens opportunities across the basketball community.

We want every coach, club and academy to feel:

• respected
• supported
• valued
• heard

Our mission is to help players grow and to strengthen the UK basketball landscape — not reshape it alone.

We believe collaboration is the only way to move the sport forward.

If you’re a coach, club or academy leader who wants to learn more — or wants to discuss how we can support your programme — we’d love to connect.