Riverside Basketball Academy (RBA) is an elite basketball academy programme aimed at developing boys and girls aged 16-19.
Our vision is to deliver basketball excellence through our partnerships with Youngbloods Basketball Club and Forever Balling. Together, we provide an outstanding coaching experience designed to prepare athletes to compete against the very best teams and players in the UK.
Our mission is to create a legacy of success and national recognition for Riverside Sixth Form.
We view recruitment as a vital part of our programme and are always looking for players who possess the potential, determination and mental resilience to become elite-level basketball players. Our coaching team is active throughout the season, attending National League and CVL games to identify talented Under-16 players who are ready to take the next step in their basketball journey.
We also run basketball camps during half-term breaks and throughout the summer, focusing on individual skill development, fitness training, strength and conditioning. RBA, Youngbloods Basketball Club and Forever Balling have partnered to offer National League competition opportunities for Under-16 and Under-18 men's and women's teams.
What We Offer
- Train at the academy alongside your studies.
- Elite coaching each week through both one-to-one and team training sessions.
- Access to state-of-the-art fitness and gym facilities.
- Regular strength and conditioning sessions.
- Opportunities to qualify as a coach, referee and table official.
- Compete in Tier 2 of the College Basketball League (CBL), the National League Premier Division and AoC competitions.
- Access to high-quality physiotherapy support.
- Performance analysis, game review and personalised feedback.
Academy Format
All players have access to training every day. Sessions are varied and include individual development programmes focused on personal skill improvement, alongside team sessions that emphasise tactical understanding and game performance. All games are recorded and reviewed through performance and statistical analysis sessions, helping players develop a deeper understanding of their game and identify areas for improvement.
RBA competes in Tier 2 of the College Basketball League (CBL), as well as the Under-17 and Under-19 Dynamik Schools Basketball Championships and the Association of Colleges (AoC) Regional Competition.
Through our unique partnership with Youngbloods Basketball Club, RBA is delighted to continue working with Coach Stephen Onireti as our Head Coach. Coach Stephen brings a wealth of experience, having coached in more than 20 National Schools Finals and won 11 national titles. He has also served as Head Coach of the London Under-15 Boys' Team. This expertise ensures that all training sessions, matches and performance analysis are delivered to the highest standards, reflecting a professional pathway and approach to player development.
We are also delighted to welcome Coach Stephron Andrew, founder of Forever Balling, to our coaching staff. Coach Stephron brings extensive experience and knowledge to the programme, having successfully guided teams to the NBL Final Four and competed at a high level in the EYBL. Through Forever Balling, Stephron has created opportunities for young players to experience high-level basketball competition across Europe while supporting athletes in pursuing scholarship opportunities and advancing their development within the game.
American College Basketball Opportunities
RBA has created a unique opportunity for selected boys and girls to attend basketball camps in the United States. These camps are designed to identify talented players and provide exposure to coaches and scouts who can support athletes in securing basketball scholarships. Many players from our programme have progressed to high schools and colleges in the United States, and we are committed to helping even more student-athletes achieve similar opportunities in the future.
Coach Stephen
"Coaching has been my passion ever since I first picked up a basketball. My love for the game runs deep, especially having played under renowned coaches such as Joe White, Jimmy Roger and Caroline Charles. I enjoy developing players and helping them achieve great things. Watching them grow into confident young adults makes coaching incredibly rewarding.
I am a highly competitive coach who loves to win, and this winning mentality is what I plan to bring to Riverside Basketball Academy."
Favourite Quote
"If you train hard, winning is easy. If you train easy, winning is hard."