Further details on Storm’s new-look junior development revealed

Hemel Storm Spark, Satellite, Ignite, Edge and Select

New programme objectives - more session choices, new age groupings, new coaches, longer sessions, more booking flexibility, player development pathways, new competitive teams

Following our earlier announcement regarding the restructuring of our junior setup, Hemel Storm can now confirm some further details on this exciting development. 

Our junior programme will be split between curriculum enrichment and junior development, with Hemel Storm Select offering the chance for two junior teams to participate in competitive action. 

Curriculum enrichment - Hemel Storm Spark and Satellite 

Our curriculum enrichment offering will consist of Hemel Storm Spark and Hemel Storm Satellite, and will remain much the same as our current work. 

Storm coaches, including many of our senior players, will provide in-school coaching via in-curricular PE lessons, as well as lunchtime and afterschool clubs. 

Hemel Storm Spark will be the name used for our work in primary schools (school years 2-6), while Hemel Storm Satellite encapsulates our sessions in secondary schools (school years 7 and above). 

We are currently in the process of rebooking sessions with our partner schools ready for the autumn term, so keep your eye out for any news from your child’s school. For any schools wishing to register your interest, you can email us at [email protected]. 

Junior development - Hemel Storm Ignite and Edge

Hemel Storm Ignite offers the opportunity for primary-aged school children to attend out-of-school, specialised basketball sessions with Hemel Storm players and coaches. 

These sessions will be split by age group (school year 2-4 and 5-6) and will be mixed sessions as well as specific boys and girls sessions.

Hemel Storm Edge provides the same opportunity for those of secondary school ages.

Separate sessions will be run for children in school years 7 and 8, and school years 9, 10 and 11.

These sessions will see the introduction of a more focused, competitive playing environment, as we look to build a pathway towards Hemel Storm Select.

Dates for these sessions, beginning in September, will be released soon. 

Hemel Storm Select

Our biggest and most exciting development. Hemel Storm Select provides the opportunity for competitive, junior basketball in what marks a major step up for the club. 

Largely based at Longdean School, there will be two newly-formed Hemel Storm Select teams, both entered into the all-new Hertfordshire Basketball League. 

Both teams will take part in weekly training sessions, and other games against sides around Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire will be arranged. 

Based on the outcome of trials and the level of interest, it is anticipated that one team will be made up of players from school years 7 and 8, with the other consisting of players from school years 9, 10 and 11. 

Open trials for Hemel Storm Select will be held at Longdean School on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August.

On both days, sessions for school years 7 and 8 (for the 2026/27 academic year) will run from 10 to 11.30am, with school years 9-11 invited to attend from 11.30 to 1pm. 

The sessions will be run by men’s BCB Head Coach Tom Baker, with appearances from Storm’s new American signings, allowing them to assess attitude, ability, competitiveness and readiness for team basketball in a live environment.

This is an open session, with newcomers, as well as players who attended our elite or Friday evening sessions last season, welcome.

The sessions will cost £20, and are available to book here.