Eagles make swoop for a young talent
A BASKETBALL scholar at Ryton’s Thorp Academy is learning how to develop his talent from the best in the country.
Adam Routledge is enjoying being part of the Newcastle Eagles’ School of Excellence after earning a place over the summer.
He is representing the Eagles in the National League Premier North Division and is travelling to places like Birmingham and Northampton to face tough opponents.
The Eagles, whose senior team is the most successful British basketball team of all time, are keen to develop young talents and keep an eye on the best the region has to offer.
Routledge said: “I am very excited to have been chosen as part of the team.
“After playing for the under-14s two years ago my main objective was to work even harder on my ball handling and shooting to be chosen for the under-16s, which is an extremely competitive age group.
“The coaches are exceptional and I am hoping to learn a great deal from them both about the game and about fitness, nutrition and life skills.”
Routledge is enrolled on the Elite Performer Programme at Thorp Academy and enjoyed a fine year with Newcastle East Griffins last season, when he was named the Best Defensive Player.
He then went for an initial selection process in June and made it through to the Newcastle Eagles’ Summer Camp, training three times a week.
He also attended full-week camps, working on both his fitness and his game.
There was also a week-long residential camp during the school summer holidays and all of Routledge’s hard work was rewarded when he was selected for the Eagles’ School of Excellence under-16 squad.