University of Greenwich announces a new three-year partnership with GB Maxibasketball, that will see the provision of opportunities for staff and students across the Faculty of Health and Human Sciences to work with elite masters athletes, and also enable much needed research into mature athlete motivations, performance, health and wellbeing and the SSEM performance support protocols that are required to prepare for major competition.
GB Maxibasketball programme director, Sadie Mason MBE, herself a former International athlete and current masters basketball player, said:
"As with any national teams programme, physical and psychological well-being and conditioning is part and parcel of athlete training, and it is no different at masters level. However, there is very little research into player motivations, or the type of performance support and general conditioning that is appropriate and effective for this age group.
"This is where I feel the partnership can really be of value, offering the University opportunities for research and development and, for GB Maxibasketball, consistently elevating player support and optimising performance. I'm really excited by the potential this partnership has to offer and look forward to seeing it develop over the next three years."
Spearheaded by Dr Mark Dayson, former GB Basketball U20 Mens physiotherapist, and Associate Professor in Physiotherapy in the School of Health Sciences, the University will support the GB programme with qualified and emerging talent with an interest and passion in supporting elite athletes. This in turn continues to ensure a safe environment in which to maximise our masters teams performance during training and competition.
Jesse Sazant, GB Maxibasketball Mens Coaching Lead said:
"I am really excited about partnering with the University of Greenwich. I have worked alongside Mark Dayson for many years now and he has made a significant impact everywhere he has worked.
"To now be able to further develop this link, with an outstanding institution such as University of Greenwich, will create many opportunities for research and development.
"I can't wait to grow and build this partnership."
GB Maxibasketball teams will shortly be heading to Argentina for the World Maxibasketball Championship 2023, which takes place in the coastal city of Mar del Plata (the Silver Sea) from 25 August to 3 September. Fielding five teams in age categories 40+ (male and female), 50+ (male and female) and 55+ (male), GB Maxibasketball have their sights firmly on the medal podium.
In the meantime, preparation has already begun for the European Maxibasketball Championship 2024, where our Great Britain teams will be looking to emulate the success of the Women's 35+ team, who won Gold in 2022 in Malaga. Open training and selection camps will begin on 30 September and 1st October 2023.
