Team UCS College Group’s men’s basketball squad has been crowned AoC South West League champions, marking a standout season and a significant milestone in the programme’s continued growth and success.
A Programme Built for Success
Reintroduced in 2021 with a clear vision to support students in balancing academic studies with sporting ambitions, the basketball programme has developed rapidly. What began as a training-focused squad progressed into competitive fixtures, before re-establishing itself within the AoC league structure. This season’s success is a testament to that journey.
A Dominant League Campaign
Throughout the campaign, the team delivered a series of impressive performances, demonstrating the dedication and commitment of every student athlete involved. Training two to three times per week, many players have also gained valuable experience competing in senior men’s basketball through partnerships with local clubs, including Bridgwater Buccaneers, as well as other teams across the region.
The team’s league record further highlights their dominance. They lost just once, a narrow, last-second defeat by a single point to a strong Exeter College side, while securing victory in their remaining eleven fixtures. Key moments included a six-point home win against City College Plymouth (Plymouth Raiders Academy), high-scoring away performances across Devon, and a commanding 30-point victory away at Exeter to avenge their earlier defeat.
Balancing Sport and Study
The success of the team is also underpinned by the diverse academic pathways of its players. Student athletes within the squad study a wide range of courses, including Electrical, Bricklaying, A Levels, T Level Business, Vehicle Maintenance, Manufacturing, Aerospace, Engineering and Sport. This highlights the strength of UCS College Group in enabling students to successfully combine academic achievement with sporting development.
Staff Praise for Student Achievement
Sport Development Manager and co-basketball coach, Mason Galloway, praised the team’s achievement:
It is an incredible achievement for our students to win the league and showcase their abilities at such a high level. More importantly, it reflects the journey they have been on—balancing their education with their sporting ambitions and developing both on and off the court.
While winning is a fantastic outcome, for us it is a by-product of doing the right things for our learners and supporting their overall development as people. The coaching team should be proud of the impact they have had, and the students should be proud of how they have represented themselves and the college throughout the season.
Mason Galloway
Sport Development Manager
Looking ahead, the programme continues to grow, with increasing interest and participation ahead of next year. Students interested in joining the basketball pathway and studying at UCS College Group are encouraged to attend the Easter Break Development Day.