Junior Manchester Giants
Before we introduce our new Academy Head Coach, the club would like to thank Paul Cantwell, who recently left the role to join the coaching staff of the new Liverpool SLB franchise. Performance Director Jordi Pastor said this:
“I want to thank Paul personally for everything he has given the Giants. He was instrumental in building this Academy and joining an SLB coaching staff is a well-deserved next step. Once a Giant, always a Giant."
Coach Rob Park brings real continuity to the Academy role. As the club’s Performance Manager and long-serving U16 Premier coach, he has helped develop many of the players now moving into the Academy, and he has been central to shaping the club’s development philosophy.
“Rob is the right person to lead the Academy forward," continues Jordi. "He knows our players, sets the standards we expect and shares our ambition to make Xaverian one of the leading development programmes in the country. I’m excited to see what he builds.”
At Xaverian players combine their college education with high-level basketball. Players train in a performance environment and compete in national leagues, with a clear pathway towards senior basketball, university and opportunities in the US and Europe.
The Academy has made a strong start this season with wins in both the EABL and WEABL season openers and momentum is already building towards the future. Our upcoming taster day is your chance to train with the Academy, meet the coaches and see the programme for yourself.
Taster day: Thursday 29 October 2026 at Xaverian College
Men’s: 9:30am - 12:30pm
Women’s: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
To register your interest please message the club.
