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2 December 2025  4 min read

Manchester Coaches Program: First cohort inducted at Coop Live launch - gallery

The Program, which is available to aspiring Manchester-based basketball coaches aged 16 and above, aims to engage and train 100 community coaches via a partnership between the National Basketball Association (NBA), Manchester City Council and Basketball England. 

Held in the shadow of the Coop Live Arena – where the NBA will stage an in-season game in January 2027 – the launch event saw Councillor John Hacking (Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure), Erik Brucker (Basketball Operations – Europe & Middle East) and Camila Freitas and Brian Aldred (Basketball England’s Program Manager and Coaching Deliver Manager) address 35 of the 50 new program members. 

They were also introduced to their mentors, Rheanne Bailey and James Jones, who will offer them guidance and support alongside their training and education as they work towards attaining Basketball England Community Coach qualification. 

NBA Europe and Middle East Vice President of Basketball Operations, Neal Meyer said: 

“The launch of the Manchester Coaches Program reflects our commitment to developing the next generation of players and coaches in the city and across the UK. 

"Building on the momentum of our Basketball Without Borders camp in Manchester in August and the first regular-season NBA game in the city next year, we look forward to working with Basketball England and the Manchester City Council to provide aspiring coaches from the local community with the resources to teach the fundamentals and values of the game to thousands of youth in the years to come.” 

Cllr Hacking said: 

“Manchester is absolutely thrilled to be hosting an NBA game in 2027. This event is set to be a monumental occasion for our city, and we can't wait to see what one of the biggest brands in sports will bring to our city. 

"We are equally enthusiastic about the real, lasting impacts that will be felt across our basketball community through the associated programmes we have agreed with the NBA and Basketball England, including the Manchester Coaches Program. A programme that provides a fantastic opportunity to inspire and equip the next generation of community coaches. 

"Working with key stakeholders like the NBA and Basketball England ensures that Manchester continues to lead the way in creating pathways for talent, opportunity and inclusion through sport. We would like to extend our thanks to all those involved in making this fantastic initiative a reality. Your support and collaboration are truly appreciated.” 

Basketball England Interim CEO Nigel Walker said: 

“We are proud to be working alongside our friends and partners at the NBA and Manchester City Council to deliver this valuable program and train a cohort of great basketball coaches who can change and positively influence not only their own lives, but the lives of thousands of young Mancunians. 

"These coaches benefit from developing their own skills and opportunities and will help sustain and grow our game, supporting players and communities across the city.” 

How it works 

The curriculum, which includes in-person and virtual training sessions, such as Q&As with NBA coaching staff, was developed by the NBA’s International Basketball Operations department in consultation with current and former NBA coaches and Basketball England. 

Over the course of the free program, participants will receive a Basketball England Community Coach education and qualification, BE license and insurance, as well as first aid training, mental health and welfare education, access to NBA and Basketball England resources and more. 

Find out more about the Manchester Coaches Program

Scroll through the gallery of the launch event below