Wheelchair Basketball with Aces Academy

As Tokyo 2020 Summer Paralympics are just around the corner we caught up with James McDonnell, the Inclusive Sport and Fitness Manager for Stoke Mandeville Stadium. Discussing our fantastic local wheelchair basketball team; Aces Academy.  Based at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, with both a senior and junior team.

Aces Academy Basketball team are currently offering beginner sessions. Open to everyone (16+ years), all equipment and wheelchairs are supplied.

A fantastic opportunity for all!

What inspired you to put together a wheelchair basketball team?

We put on an inclusive day, back in September where there were a range of 12 inclusive sports. Wheelchair basketball was one of the most popular sports. Over 205 people attended from all different backgrounds.

What challenges do non-wheelchair users find when they first start wheelchair basketball?

They find it hard to get use to the co-ordination of the chair and using a basketball at the same time. However, they usually find that funny and it’s a good icebreaker for everyone!

Why should people join Aces Academy? 

It is a great way of meeting people of all backgrounds and it’s good fun for everyone! It’s not serious, there are no expectations.

The beginner sessions are a great introduction to wheelchair basketball. However, if anyone would like to take the sport to a higher level, we offer opportunities to try out with the senior team!

We were absolutely delighted to speak with James and learn more about Aces Academy Basketball. You can find them on Facebook here or pop onto their website!