The programme is specially designed for ambitious young sports people aged 16-24 years who use a manual wheelchair and will offer them the opportunity to develop as a wheelchair basketball player, providing a player pathway from playing in regional, national and international competition.

Students will be coached by experienced and qualified Basketball Association and Wheelchair Basketball coaches, plus train at the University of Worcester Arena – training base for GB Men’s and Women’s Wheelchair Basketball teams (2013-2017).

QAC is a national residential college and charity originally established for blind and visually impaired young people that supports a diverse range of student abilities and needs. The college provides education, training and routes to independent living and employment.

Bev Jessop, QAC Principal and Chief Executive, commented: “QAC is really pleased to be collaborating on this exciting new initiative with The Albion Foundation and University of Worcester. We look forward to the opportunities it will give young people to develop their passion for wheelchair basketball and progress as a player.”

The University of Worcester is recognised as world leaders in the development of educational practice in inclusive sport and are owners of the Worcester Wolves British Basketball League franchise. The university also has a longstanding tradition of working at local, national and international level in all forms of basketball and wheelchair basketball.

The Albion Foundation is the charity of West Bromwich Albion Football Club. The Foundation has an outstanding reputation for their work in disability sport and has a well-established and successful Powerchair Football Academy with QAC.