Merrist Wood College
MERRIST WOOD BASKETBALL ACADEMY
Merrist Wood Basketball Programme
Delivered by the Surrey Scorchers, the Merrist Wood Basketball Programme offers young athletes a unique opportunity to pursue their passion for basketball, while maintaining a focus on academic achievement at Merrist Wood College, Guildford. Our aim is to provide a supportive environment where student-athletes can thrive both on and off the court.
We prioritise a well-rounded approach to development, ensuring that participants receive a comprehensive education that encompasses academics, basketball skills and essential life skills. Through basketball, students not only refine their athletic abilities but also learn valuable lessons in teamwork, communication, co-operation, and independence.
Guided by a dedicated performance team, who have played and developed players to a high level, our programme is designed for students between the ages of 16-19, preparing them for success in various aspects of life.
As an integral part of the Surrey Scorchers Pathway, the Merrist Wood Basketball Programme offers valuable opportunities for growth and advancement.
Merrist Wood College
Located just a short bus ride from Guildford town centre in Worplesdon, Merrist Wood College is a 400-acre, multi-award-winning college that specialises in the land-based industries. With acclaimed sports academies in football, basketball, and golf, as well as a diverse range of academic courses, Merrist Wood caters to the needs of the majority of students.
The college offers on-campus accommodation comprising 100 rooms, accommodating both local students and those from beyond the immediate catchment area.
Recharge Catering provide all food services at the college, with residential meals are served in Woody’s Restaurant. Accommodation fees cover breakfast and evening meals from Monday to Friday. Additionally, mid-day meals, snacks and drinks are available for purchase onsite. Each sitting room is equipped with microwaves, kettles, toasters, panini makers and fridges for convenience.
Competition Schedule
The Merrist Wood basketball program is committed to participating in a competitive games schedule in both the Academy Basketball League and Basketball England national league. Currently we have a standalone team that participates in EBL Division 3 Mens. This team contains only players from the Scorchers Pathway. In addition we have partnership clubs Cobham Cobras and Reading Rockets who play at EBL Division 2 and Division 1 level respectively. This allows players to find the right level for their development with the ultimate goal of preparing them for a professional basketball career
The program is committed to finding opportunities to play regularly against international competition and has aspirations of playing the highest level of schedule possible on a yearly basis.
The jewel in the crown for the Scorchers program is the professional British Basketball League team. Selected Pathway players have the opportunity to practice or play games with the first team squad.
Support Services
The Merrist Wood Basketball Programme benefits from the same support services enjoyed by the Surrey Scorchers British Basketball League team. Academy students are able to use the state of the Advance Performance Lab onsite at Merrist Wood or one of the two high performance weight rooms at Surrey Sports Park. Performance staff from Team Surrey lead all strength and conditioning programming for the students, ensuring that they are educated in use of all the equipment and supervised throughout activity. Each student will receive a personalised program for their physical development and will take part in a minimum of two strength and conditioning sessions per week.
Team Surrey also operate sports therapy clinics on a weekly basis for pre-hab, maintenance and rehabilitation. Students are able to schedule appointments as necessary to ensure that their bodies are in the condition needed for the physical demands of elite basketball. The close proximity of Royal Surrey County Hospital allows any serious injuries to be dealt with swiftly.
Facilities
All basketball activity is based at Surrey Sports Park in Guildford, home to the Surrey Scorchers. Based on Manor Park campus, Surrey Sports Park is the University of Surrey’s world-class elite training venue. Driven by three key principles of performance, participation and personal development, Surrey Sports Park’s vision is to inspire and support the sporting ambitions of all users, from world class athletes to grassroots beginners. It has hosted training camps for the Great Britain Senior Men’s and Women’s programs. Was a venue for the Jordan Classic Basketball without borders camp hosting NBA prospects from across Europe including Mario Hezonja and Cedi Osman.
The sports park offers three elite level basketball courts with wooden floor, physiotherapy and treatment rooms, sauna and swimming pool, state of the art weight and fitness studio, performance strength and conditioning suite. In addition to social areas including a bar and cafe area
ACADEMIC CHOICES
Qualifications Available
BTEC Level 2
More Information
1st4Sport Level 2 Coaching : Activity Leadership
If you are interested in a career in sport, fitness or coaching, and want to develop your own playing skills and game understanding alongside a study programme related to your career aspirations of working within a coaching, teaching or fitness environment, then this is the course for you.
Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing
This L2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing prepares you for future employment in places such as leisure centres, fitness studios and retail sports outlets or for progression to the Level 3 Combined Diploma in Personal Training or the Sport Level 3 National Extended Diploma.
https://merristwood.activatelearning.ac.uk/courses/detail/activeiq-l2-diploma-in-health-and-fitness/
BTEC Level 3
More information
1st4Sport Level 3 Coaching : Supporting the Delivery of PE and School Sports
If you are interested in a career in sport, fitness or coaching, and want to develop your own playing skills and game understanding alongside a study programme related to your career aspirations of working within a coaching, teaching or fitness environment, then this is the course for you.
Level 3 Combined Diploma in Personal Training
This Level 3 qualification will provide you with essential knowledge and skills required to pursue a career in the active leisure industry, including fitness instructing and personal training. You will broaden your ability from the Level 2 Diploma to enhance and develop your career prospects and increase your earning potential.
https://merristwood.activatelearning.ac.uk/courses/detail/activeiq-l3-diploma-in-health-fitness/
Level 3 Sport National Extended Diploma
The programme aims to provide relevant education and training leading to employment within the sports industry. The programme reflects a vocational approach to a diversified industry and aims to give a learning experience combining theoretical course study with practical skills in a competitive environment.
Open Day Information
Want to know more about the program?
Get in contact or register your interest to find out more about the Scorchers Pathway