A former Telford College student who came through the basketball academy programme and went on to play the sport at professional level has spoken of his happiness and pride at returning to his old college as a tutor.
Josh Crutchley, who studied a BTEC diploma in sports science at the Wellington campus from 2003 to 2006 and won the Student of the Year award, is now teaching the next generation of basketball stars as part of the college’s sports academy.
The former Charlton School student was scouted by the Shropshire Warriors basketball club and earned a place in the senior men’s squad at the age of 14, going on to represent Birmingham in the British Basketball League at the age of 20.
Now, in partnership with Shropshire Warriors, he is back at Telford College’s Wellington campus as part of the coaching team, providing weekly training sessions for male and female teams which compete in Association of Colleges league and cup games.
“It means a lot to be back here,” said the 39-year-old. “This is my home town, and the college where I studied. It’s also the place where I made my professional debut.
“My biggest dream was to try to bring professional basketball to this county, and it still is. Basketball is a huge part of my life, and now it’s time to give back by sharing my knowledge and experience of the game with the younger generation.”
He added: “I use myself as an example to say, look, work hard and positive things happen. You just have to put your mind to it. If you do that, you can accomplish anything.”
He said the welcome he has received from students, and the chance the role gives him to see them progress, was exactly what he wanted to be a part of, and help develop.
“The academy is here to create opportunities and develop good basketball players by adding skills and drills to all types of gameplay through one-to-one and teamwork sessions.
“It’s a privilege being back here. It’s always exciting to introduce the game of basketball to anyone who wants to play, and it’s about building good relationships so students feel welcomed and ambitious.
“When you’ve got opportunity, you’ve got vision, and when there’s vision, you can build.”
Everyone at Telford College has the chance to be part of the Sports Academy, where teams take on local rivals in a range of activities including football, basketball and volleyball.
It offers students the chance to combine academic study with high-level athletic development, with access to facilities including indoor and outdoor 3G pitches, a double-sized sports hall, a professional dance and fitness studio, and a fully equipped gym.
