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12 February 2026  3 min read

Marchesi and Williams elected to Basketball England board

The two successful candidates were announced at tonight’s 84th BE Annual General Meeting (AGM), following an election process outlined in the BE Articles of Association, that was independently managed by UK Engage.    

Tom Marchesi 

Marchesi, a former NBA Europe and Middle East Head of Communications who is associated with Kettering Phoenix and was proposed by Reading Rockets, said: “I am a passionate advocate and supporter of the game of basketball with the sport omnipresent in my life both personally and professionally.  

“I continue to play, having recently been named to the GB Over-50s team for the upcoming European Championships, and as a parent of a talented young player, I have first-hand experience of the Aspire, EABL and Junior National League programmes. 

“I am also acutely aware of the challenges facing the sport of basketball in this country which finds itself at a pivotal moment. I am excited at the opportunity to provide insight and impart my knowledge and expertise to help shape the future of a sport that has provided me with so many opportunities and experiences.” 

Danny Williams 

Williams, who was proposed by Redditch Basketball Club and is head coach of Birmingham City University in NBL1, describes himself as 'deeply embedded in the basketball community as a player, coach and official’. 

He said: “I have seen first-hand the passion, talent and potential within our sport. I have had the privilege of supporting the performance pathway at every level, working with athletes, coaches and volunteers to help create environments where people can develop, feel valued and thrive. 

“I serve as Head of Safeguarding within a major UK sport organisation, where I lead on culture, governance and system improvements that place participant welfare and organisational integrity at the centre of decision-making. My goal is to help shape a sport that is safe, inclusive and ambitious, where every player, coach, volunteer and official has the support they need to succeed.”   

Basketball England Chair Paul Blanchard said: 

“I am delighted to welcome Tom and Danny to the Board following an election in which there were many strong candidates. 

“Both bring professional skillsets and deep experience of our sport that will be vital in helping steer the organisation as we enter a new strategy period and face into the challenge, along with all basketball stakeholders, of helping to form a new governance structure for the sport in Great Britain.” 

Matt Newby and Paul Mundy-Castle 

The elected duo replace outgoing directors Matt Newby and Paul Mundy-Castle, whose terms on the Board have ended. 

Blanchard added: “I would like to put on record my thanks and the thanks of the Board for the service that both Matt and Paul have given to the organisation and the sport during their periods on the Board. 

“Both have shown dedication and drive in pushing us forward to better serve our members and have vigorously and passionately represented them at Board level.”