DP6 Basketball Academy

The DP6 Basketball Academy offers talented players the chance to combine their academic studies with a high-level basketball program. It gives the opportunity for committed and passionate student athletes to build on their individual and team performance whilst studying at a school that will stretch and challenge you to achieve the best grades possible.

The goal of the DP6 basketball academy is to prepare all student athletes for what’s next in their careers regardless of if the student continues in basketball, whether that be gaining scholarships to universities in the UK or in the USA, furthering their basketball careers at the next level.

The ethos of the academy is that the Individual development will always come first, and team success will be the outcome. As an academy we provide weekly individual and team sessions as well as strength and conditioning sessions with experienced coaches.

• Three Team practices
• Competitive Game Schedule in Basketball England endorsed competitions
• Small group individual focused skill workouts
• Strength and Conditioning Program
• Video Analysis

DP6 is a modern campus, completely rebuilt in 2012 and contains the ideal facilities for on and off court development. The leisure centre contains a sprung wooden floor, Perspex backboards, scoreboard, and eight baskets. Also contained within the leisure centre complex is a secondary workout room, a lounge and meeting room and a fully equipped weight room.

The Basketball Academy will take part in a competitive games schedule in Basketball England affiliated competitions. Student Athletes will still be able to participate with any National League club program outside of school hours should they wish to.

Within the first year of full competition, the DP6 Basketball Academy has experienced a great amount of success with the team achieving an unbeaten record during the league as well as having several players making standout performances throughout the year. We have also had several players make their debuts in the British Basketball League for the London Lions as well as others competing in NBL D1 and D3 leagues for the Lions or competing in the D2 league for Baltic Stars.

Headed by former BBL and GB Senior Men’s National Team Coach Lloyd Gardner. A former junior international player, Lloyd transitioned into coaching with the Reading Rockets Basketball Club before moving to Barking Abbey School where he helped turn the program into one of the leading Basketball Academy in the country. At Barking Abbey, Lloyd helped the program to more than 15 national titles and helped more than 100 student athletes onto university level in North America. Assisting Lloyd to lead the program at DP6 is Pierce Maslen, Jordanas Mejeras and Leah McDerment.

Pierce, an ex-player of Lloyds at Barking Abbey represented England/ Great Britain at junior level from u15-18 and was also a part of several titles at Barking Abbey. Then he went to study at Loughborough University and began his coaching career.

Jordanas who is the founder of the successful Baltic Stars club based in East London, has gained more than 12yrs of coaching experience ranging from u8s all the way to senior men’s as well as leaving behind an impressive playing career overseas and studying in the USA.

Leah McDerment who is a current WBBL London Lions player, began her coaching career after her years abroad playing professionally in Germany as well as attending UMASS University in the USA. She also attended Barking Abbey as a junior while representing England across multiple age groups.

For more information on applying for DP6 Basketball Academy please contact – pmaslen@dagenhampark.org.uk

DP6 Football Academy

The DP6 Football Academy compete in the AOC Sport London Men's Regional Football League E against some very well recognised football academies. They also compete in various cup competitions such as the Essex Cup, National Cup, and the league cup.
Training days are on Mondays and Fridays from 3:00pm – 4:30pm, with game days every Wednesday afternoon. Players who are in the academy are also expected to follow a gym programme that has been created for them. These gym sessions take place in their own free time and are regularly monitored.

Once accepted into DP6, students can try out for the DP6 Football Academy in early September. The head coach for the football academy is Mr Sotoyinbo and is assisted by Mr, Mullings, Director of Sport. There are many fantastic opportunities for the players after playing for the football academy, such as the potential to play football in the USA with a full soccer scholarship, made possible through the company Player Path, owned by Tommie Hession-Harris, an All-American soccer player. He will personally come into the school to advertise the opportunity.

Additionally, the opportunity to going into professional or semi-professional football in the UK is high due to the network available through the coaches, including the likes of Barking FC, May and Baker FC, Ilford FC, Southend Manor FC, Tower Hamlets FC, Fisher FC, Redbridge FC, and Woodford FC.

DP6 & BFTTA Athletics Academy

DP6 & BFTTA Athletics Academy provides an opportunity for young people to explore their athletics ability whether it be aspiring to be an elite athlete, sports therapist, sports nutritionist, sports psychologist or any other area that facilitates athletic performance.

Be Fit Today Track Academy (BFTTA) is a renowned England Athletics-affiliated club, recognized for its high-level performances, particularly among young athletes. Led by head coach and founder TJ Ossai, a World and European Masters Champion, BFTTA has developed a strong reputation for nurturing and developing athletic talent. The club's success stems from its structured, expert-led training programs that focus on both physical and mental preparation, enabling young athletes to compete at the highest levels. Athletes have consistently delivered outstanding performances at regional, national, and international competitions, making the club a powerhouse in track and field. The club emphasizes discipline, resilience, and athletic excellence, key qualities that contribute to its stellar track record.

BFTTA is also the force behind the DP6 Athletics Academy, with the same winning formula transferring over. Under TJ Ossai's leadership, DP6 will benefit from the same expertise and coaching strategies that have made BFTTA so successful. The academy will adopt BFTTA’s approach to high-performance training, focusing on developing speed, endurance, strength, and mental toughness in athletes. With this proven methodology, DP6 Athletics Academy is poised to replicate the high levels of success seen at BFTTA, empowering young athletes to achieve their goals.

The main principles and goals set by DP6 & BFTTA Athletics Academy focus on the comprehensive development of athletes, emphasizing both physical and mental growth. These goals include:

• Maximizing Athletic Potential: The academy aims to help athletes reach their full potential by providing specialized training programs tailored to individual needs. This includes enhancing skills such as strength, speed, and endurance specific to each event.
• Injury Prevention and Recovery: A core principle of DP6 & BFTTA Athletics Academy is ensuring athletes remain healthy and resilient. The academy incorporates injury prevention strategies and offers guidance on recovery techniques to maintain long-term athletic performance.
• Holistic Development: Beyond physical training, DP6 & BFTTA Athletics Academy focuses on mental toughness, discipline, and sportsmanship. The academy promotes personal growth, fostering a strong work ethic, resilience, and a winning mindset.
• Competitions: Athletes will have the unique opportunity to compete against top-tier talent, including those who have participated in elite competitions such as the Olympics. This exposure to high-level competition is a crucial aspect of the academy’s training philosophy, as it challenges athletes to push beyond their limits and benchmark their progress against the best in the world. Competing against other high-level athletes not only sharpens physical skills but also enhances mental toughness, resilience, and competitive drive. Facing world-class competitors allows athletes to gauge their abilities in real-world scenarios, where the intensity and stakes mirror the highest levels of sport. This experience prepares them for future competitions, whether at the educational, national or international level.
• Building Lifelong Habits: The academy aims to instill healthy habits that extend beyond sports, including nutrition, fitness routines, and mental wellness, ensuring athletes continue to lead healthy and disciplined lives.

Training takes place at the newly built leisure facility on the school site and also a weekly trip by minibus to the athletics track nearby.