A first-hand insight into Athletic Elite’s mission to grow basketball in Northamptonshire and beyond: we sit down with Head Coach & Programme Director Sarah Round to explore how she’s shaping youth development and community engagement through the sport.

Is there potential in Northamptonshire basketball from the roots?

Absolutely there is potential. Growing interest from youth engagement has shown increased popularity in the sport. This, along with enthusiastic coaches and structured programs, provides players with the structure they need to continually develop. Northamptonshire has a history of strong basketball foundations, which provides a base framework for us to build upon. As coaches, it is our goal to develop not only skilled basketball players but well-rounded people, and therefore creating a large community base can help develop players of all ages. Seeing players who start young and progress to the highest levels of playing is the goal for any coach, and it is my hope that we are able to do this for our players. 

Are you seeing a lot of progression from community kids behaviourally and skill level?

There has certainly been a significant improvement in the behaviour and skill level of the players who are involved with us. Thanks to the funding provided and the wonderful work by our mentors, we have been able to positively impact a number of children, which is such rewarding work. I recognise that children today are faced with barriers that I did not have when I was their age and are therefore in need of additional support. Any help that we are able to provide, we hope, will give these children the skills that they need to excel in their futures. 

A little bit about where you played and the best thing playing overseas taught you?

Despite the challenges I have faced as a player, I am proud of the basketball journey I have experienced. Growing up in Northampton, I began playing at Northants Basketball Club before spending three years at Women's Elite Academy Basketball League programs, Barking Abbey and Charnwood College. Unfortunately, much of my time over those three years was spent on the side lines or in the weight room due to injury, resulting in 23 games played in over three seasons. However, my determination of achieving an athletic scholarship to America did not waiver, and I was lucky enough to receive a scholarship to NCAA Division II Goldey-Beacom College in Delaware, USA. Although it was once again not a smooth ride due to injury, I am grateful to have spent 6 years at the school, graduating with 2 degrees and finding a place I can call home on the other side of the world. Having taken a two year break, I returned to play basketball at Milton Keynes this season in the WNBL Division 2.

In addition to this, I have been fortunate enough to represent England and Great Britain on a number of occasions, including at two European Championships. This honour goes above any other achievement I have as wearing your country across your chest is a feeling like no other!

Basketball has enabled me to travel to a number of countries and meet people inside and outside the sport that I otherwise would not have done. Having spent almost 10 years away from home, and 6 of those abroad, I have learned how important self-determination is, being driven towards goals without letting anything get in the way. The support I received from my family is second-to-none, and I know my achievements would be non-existent without them, but I also recognise that my own want to succeed has allowed me to be in the position I am now, and that is what I am most proud of. 

Why you think being an active, but experienced elite level player makes for good coaching with up and coming talent?

Currently playing whilst also having experienced various playing styles and coaches gives me a broad knowledge for the game which I am able to use to pass onto new players. I am also able to relate to players in many ways as they come up against challenges that I may have already faced. Additionally, it is exciting for players to see their coach playing, providing players, particularly young female players, with a role model that they can look up to. I aim to use my position to inspire as many players as possible, and using my platform as an elite-level player with experience allows me to do that. However, I am always learning myself because, as a new coach, there are many areas in which I can grow.