The British Basketball League are pleased to announce that the Durham Wildcats have joined their ranks ahead of the new 2011/12 season.
The Wildcats senior men’s team forms part of the Durham Wildcats Sporting Club which operates a number of men’s and women’s teams at both junior and senior level including an EB 1 Women’s Basketball programme and a women’s football programme with long term aspirations of playing in the recently formed SuperLeague.
Following two promotions in the last three seasons, this latest step to join the elite league caps a meteoric rise for the club since its formation back in 2005.
BBL Chairman Paul Blake was thrilled in welcoming the Wildcats to the BBL: “We are delighted to welcome the Durham Wildcats to the BBL. Their community ethos aligns perfectly to the BBL’s own strategy, and they have all the key ingredients to build a successful BBL franchise”.
Quentin Sloper of the Wildcats added: “Sport in County Durham is built on successful partnerships and we are no different. Durham County Council, Durham University and the CSP have all played significant roles in getting the club this far. Our long term success will, without question, be partially determined by how successful we are in developing our existing partnerships and how we establish and grow new relationships with local and regional partners. We are determined to deliver a rounded product, from grass roots to performance level. A product that the County can be proud of and that people feel part of.”
Durham step up to Britain’s professional ranks is also welcomed by the County Council.
“This is tremendous news for Durham and a great vote of confidence for the club. I would like to congratulate everyone involved. County Council leader Simon Henig added. “We are committed to encouraging sport throughout the county and will be supporting the club as it continues to grow. We wish them every success in the forthcoming season and beyond.”
Durham Wildcats replace Worthing Thunder in this season’s competition. Worthing decided to join the EBL for next season.
