Newcastle Basketball Elite
Develop Your Game. Elevate Your Future
Train with purpose. Compete with passion. Graduate with confidence.
At Newcastle Basketball Elite, we are committed to helping ambitious student-athletes reach their full potential both on the court and in the classroom. Our programme is designed to provide an elite basketball environment that combines high-performance coaching with outstanding academic support, allowing you to pursue your chosen degree whilst competing at the highest level of university basketball. Whether your goal is to maximise your individual development, compete nationally and internationally, or prepare for the chance of a professional playing career, Newcastle Basketball Elite provides the coaching, facilities and support to help you succeed.
An Elite Basketball Experience
- Individual and small group coaching
- Small group skill development sessions
- High-performance team practices
- Individual and team video analysis
- Strength and conditioning programmes
- Athlete performance support
- Regular competitive fixtures
- Opportunities to compete internationally
Excellence On and Off the Court
At Newcastle Basketball Elite, we believe that outstanding student-athletes are outstanding students first. Our players study a diverse range of degree programmes, whatever subject you choose, our coaching staff work closely with the University's academic departments to ensure you receive the support needed to excel. We take the term student-athlete seriously. Academic progress is monitored throughout the year, and athletes are expected to maintain high standards in the classroom. The University also offers an extensive range of academic and wellbeing support services, ensuring every student-athlete has access to the guidance, resources and pastoral care needed to thrive throughout their university journey.
Chris Bunten - NBE Director
Chris has been one of the UK's leading basketball coaches and performance practitioners for almost two decades, with experience across junior, university, professional and international basketball. A proven leader in developing talent and building successful programmes, Chris has guided athletes from grassroots to elite performance while helping student-athletes achieve both academic and sporting success.
Will Neighbour - Head Coach
Will brings over 20 years of elite playing and coaching experience, combining international knowledge with a passion for developing the next generation of student-athletes. Following a successful NCAA Division I career at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Will enjoyed a ten-year professional career competing across Europe and Australasia before transitioning into coaching at some of the UK's leading university programmes. Will is passionate about developing complete student-athletes, combining elite coaching with strong values, discipline and personal development to help players achieve success both on and off the court.
What does a typical week look like?
Court time and individual development
- 3 hours per day, Monday to Friday
- Individual, small group and full team sessions
Athlete Services
- Strength & conditioning - 3 sessions per week plus individual gym programme
- Physiotherapy - available 4 hours per week
Fixtures
- Up to 20 fixtures per academic year
What athlete services are provided?
Our Student-Athlete Performance Team provide strength & conditioning, physiotherapy, pyschology and nutrition support. Check out the team info below:
Chris Ferriter
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Chris is a UKSCA-accredited strength and conditioning coach with an MSc in Strength and Conditioning. He also works with the Newcastle Eagles in Super League Basketball, so NBE players train under a coach who prepares professionals every week. Over eight years with elite athletes at Newcastle University, Chris has worked with professionals in basketball, rugby union and swimming.
His programme for NBE athletes is built around three goals:
- Reduce injury risk and build robustness
- Develop a strong athletic foundation
- Translate athleticism into better basketball performance
Darren Finnegan
Senior Sports Physiotherapist
Darren brings more than 20 years of experience at the top level of sport, working with some of the best athletes in their fields. He is Lead Physiotherapist for the Newcastle Eagles in Super League Basketball and spent years working across Great Britain's men's and women's basketball pathways.
His experience across many different sports means NBE players get expert, joined-up care, from injury prevention and rehabilitation to managing the demands of a full season. Darren knows his craft, and he's a great person to have in your corner.
Career Highlights
- Lead Physiotherapist, Newcastle Eagles (Super League Basketball)
- Physiotherapist across the GB men's and women's basketball pathways
-
Published author and contributor to research
Performance Support
Sport Psychology
Talent gets you on the court. Mindset keeps you there. Our sport psychology support helps you handle pressure, stay confident through setbacks and perform when it matters most. Through workshops and one-to-one sessions, you'll build the focus, resilience and routines that elite athletes rely on, and learn to balance the demands of training, competition and study.
Talent gets you on the court. Mindset keeps you there. Our sport psychology support helps you handle pressure, stay confident through setbacks and perform when it matters most. Through workshops and one-to-one sessions, you'll build the focus, resilience and routines that elite athletes rely on, and learn to balance the demands of training, competition and study.
Sports Nutrition
You can't out-train a poor diet. Our sports nutrition support shows you how to fuel for training, recover faster and build the body your game demands. From practical workshops to individual guidance on match-day eating, recovery and body composition, you'll learn habits that boost performance now and last your whole career.
You can't out-train a poor diet. Our sports nutrition support shows you how to fuel for training, recover faster and build the body your game demands. From practical workshops to individual guidance on match-day eating, recovery and body composition, you'll learn habits that boost performance now and last your whole career.
How much does it cost?
2027 entry = £26,750 - £33,600
This includes fees for tuition and the basketball programme. Additional accommodation costs appy.
A North American international discount of £7000 is offered to those eligible.
Accommodation costs
1st year students will live at University owned accommodation in en-suite rooms at Park View, located right next to the Sport & Fitness Centre. This will be on a 40 week contract costing £197.40 per week, all bills and wifi included.
After 1st year we support players to live in the city centre.
What are the accommodation options?
All 1st year students will live in University owned accommodation, in en-suite rooms at Park View.
After 1st year we will support you to live in the city centre.
