• Home
• News

12 November 2025  5 min read

NBA, Manchester City Council and Basketball England launch Manchester Coaches Program

The Program, which is available to aspiring Manchester-based basketball coaches aged 16 and above, aims to engage and train 100 community coaches, who will in turn reach thousands of young players across the city in the coming years.

It follows the success of the ongoing London Coaches Program, launched in the capital in 2023 and the announcement that a regular-season NBA game will be played in 2027 at Co-op Live, Manchester.

The free 18-month program will feature two cohorts of 50 coaches and will provide participants in Manchester with the tools, techniques and strategies to enhance their player development philosophy via the Basketball England Community Coach Award.

Aspiring coaches can find out more and register their interest to take part in the program HERE.

Find out more and apply

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 John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure at Manchester City Council, 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 the Manchester Coaches Program will work - register your interest

The Manchester Coaches Program will tip off in November 2025 and will be led by a dedicated Program Director.

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.

Aspiring coaches can find out more and register their interest to take part in the program HERE.

Find out more and apply

 

About the NBA

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.? Built around five professional sports leagues:? the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and Basketball Africa League, the NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 214 countries and territories in more than 50 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 200 countries and territories on all seven continents.? NBA rosters at the start of the 2025-26 season featured a record 135 international players from a record-tying 43 countries.? The NBA’s digital assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass.? The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with more than 2.5 billion likes and followers globally across all leagues, team and player platforms.? NBA Cares, the NBA’s global social impact platform celebrating its 20^th year, drives change on issues facing fans and communities in the areas of health and wellness, civic engagement, social justice and inclusion, and sustainability.

About Manchester Active

As part of Manchester City Council, Manchester Active leads the city’s Sport and Physical Activity Strategy, creating environments that inspire healthy, active lifestyles. Our mission is to enable and encourage Manchester communities to prioritise health, move more, and thrive. Working with local and national partners, we help deliver inclusive programmes, invest in facilities, and champion policies that make physical activity accessible for all. As a city ‘Alive With Sport’, we harness Manchester’s rich sporting culture to drive equality of access and improve wellbeing across diverse communities. Learn more at www.mcractive.com.

About Basketball England

Basketball England is the national governing body of the sport in England. BE promotes, administers and governs basketball for all levels of participants of every age and ability, whilst offering specialist guidance on improving standards of the game, facilitating education and training opportunities. The NGB delivers a competitive outlet through leagues and tournaments and progression to our national teams.