he Playground2Pro U13 Centre of Excellence offers young players the chance to experience high‑level basketball coaching in partnership with Ipswich Basketball Club. 

Designed as a bridge between primary school participation sessions, our U10 ‘Rising Stars Academy' and the only ‘premier' National League programme in Suffolk, it provides a supportive environment for players showing potential between the ages of 10–13 (School Years 6–8).

What the Programme Offers

Professional coaching delivered in a fun, engaging environment

A pathway into Ipswich Basketball Club, one of the UK’s most respected clubs

Opportunities for selected players to represent Ipswich Basketball Club at U12 and U13 level

A long-standing development programme that has helped produce players who have gone on to compete in Junior National League, Senior National League, and even international basketball

Session Details

Mondays, 6:00–7:30pm

Venue: Inspire Suffolk

Cost: £100 per term (14 sessions), payable before the first session

Weekly payment option: £10 per session (cash), though booking online is preferred

Prices are adjusted for players joining partway through the term

The Rising Stars Academy is the newest addition to the Playground2Pro pathway and the first programme of its kind. Delivered in partnership with Ipswich Basketball Club, it offers young players their first step into high‑quality coaching and long‑term player development.

Who the Programme Is For

The Rising Stars Academy is designed for boys and girls aged 8–10 (School Years 4 & 5) who show early potential and enthusiasm for basketball. Sessions focus on building strong fundamentals, confidence, and enjoyment of the game, all within a supportive and engaging environment.

This programme acts as an introduction to the wider Ipswich Basketball Club pathway, which includes our established U13 Centre of Excellence—the next step for players who progress from Rising Stars.

Why Rising Stars Matters

A dedicated early‑development programme for young, ambitious players

Professional coaching delivered in partnership with one of the UK’s most respected clubs

A fun, structured environment that prepares players for future National League opportunities

Exploration of competitive opportunities, including potential U10 fixtures run jointly with Ipswich Basketball Club

A pathway that mirrors the success of our U13 Centre of Excellence, which has helped develop players who have gone on to compete in Junior National League, Senior National League, and even international basketball

Session Details

Thursdays, 5:30–7:00pm

Venue: Copleston Sports Centre

Cost: £100 per term (14 sessions), payable before the first session

Prices are adjusted for players joining after the term has started

Weekly payment option: £10 per session (cash), though online booking is preferred

Playground2Pro is rebranding what was our ‘Elite Skills Sessions’.

Our brand new ‘Elite Shooting Clinic’ with Harriet Welham sessions will be at Copleston Sports Centre between 6-7pm, and will be run in half termly blocks at the cost of £50 for each block.

The aim of the sessions will be the help equip ambitious players with one of, if not the single most important skill in the modern game - the ability to shoot. These session’s will give tips on shooting technique and mentality and will then take players through a series of drills and practices that have helped Harriet become one of the greatest shooters in English Basketball history.

Harriet Welham is the Women’s National Basketball League all time leading scorer, as well as three point shooter and is considered to be one of, if not the greatest player in WNBL history.

Players in the area should not miss out on this opportunity.

Places are limited to 15 per session, and will be on a first come first served basis. 

Please note that these sessions are targeting ambitious, high level players - they will not be scrimmaged based.