Manchester Magic have recently announced a pair of partnerships for their Division 2 Men’s team.

 

First off is the partnership between Magic and local educational establishment the University of Salford. Joe Kilpatrick and Muftau Akintoye become the first Magic players to enjoy the benefits of the recently signed partnership between the University of Salford and the club. Joe now begins his University studies at Salford and Muftau continues his course, whilst playing for both the University of Salford and Magic.

 

Expectations are good within the club of this being a long-term partnership with shared expertise in terms of coaching, sports science and strength and conditioning. Experienced Magic coach, Peter Paraskeva, will take the reins of the University of Salford Men’s basketball team.

 

It is the ambition of the University to play top level basketball and therefore attract top quality players, not just from the local area, but from all over the country. The partnership will enable the University of Salford to achieve this ambition and also help the Magic in its aim to play at the top level of English basketball by stressing the student-athlete system.

 

Joe Forber, Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Amaechi Basketball Centre, was delighted at the potential of the partnership:

 

“Dealing with the University has been a fantastic experience. Salford University has shown a real desire to create a true and enduring partnership. Everyone at the Amaechi Basketball Centre is excited about the potential of this partnership to augment the opportunities and development of all the young people who participate in our programme.”

 

James Crowley, Head of Sport at the University, commented:

 

“This is an excellent partnership for the University, allowing us to raise the standards of sport at Salford while also developing the wide range of mutual opportunities that exist in working with Manchester Magic and the Amaechi Basketball Centre.”

 

Magic have also announced that innovative supplement and nutrition company, Real Nutrition, will partner with the team for the coming season.

 

“Everyone at the Amaechi Basketball Centre is excited about the potential of this partnership, which, alongside the partnership with the University of Salford, will augment the opportunities and development of all the young people who participate in our programme,” said Forber.

 

“We will be holding regular seminars at the Centre to educate the athletes on the importance of eating correctly to improve performance. Both senior and academy players will receive specific sports supplement support to enhance their training and recovery regime,” said Kevin Milnes, Managing Director of Real Nutrition Co.