Talented Hartlepool Sixth Form College basketball player awarded scholarship in America

Killian Bousfield, 18, who went to Hartlepool Sixth Form College, is heading across the Atlantic after winning a place at Doane University in Nebraska.

He will play basketball for the university’s Doane Tigers in Division 1 of an inter college league.

Killan, who gained national recognition while playing for Hartlepool Sixth Form’s Basketball Academy and developed into one of the top players in the Academy Basketball League (ABA), said: “I’m really looking forward to the new experiences, living in a different country and competing at a higher level.

"It’s always been a dream for me, moving to the States and see what I can do in basketball.

“Thanks to Hartlepool Sixth Form I have that opportunity.”

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Killan travelled a 60-mile round trip every day on public transport from his home in Thirsk to study at the Hartlepool college.

He benefited greatly from it’s mix of full-time study with elite sports coaching and competitive matches.

“One of the main reasons I chose Hartlepool Sixth Form is because it offered at BTEC in Sports and Exercise Science,” he said.

“A lot of colleges where I lived didn’t really offer that, and I didn’t think A-levels would fit with me.

“Also, there are not many colleges that offer basketball, so when I heard Hartlepool had an academy that was a big draw."

While playing for the sixth form’s Basketball Academy and Durham Wildcats, Killian was invited to train with Durham University and spent the past year with the NBL Division 1 side Derby Trailblazers.

He achieved a triple Distinction star in Sport and Exercise Sciences at the sixth form and will now study Exercise Science and Sports Medicine in America.

“Going to America was in the back of my mind but it didn’t become a reality until I came to Hartlepool Sixth Form,” added Killan.

Mark Elderkin, basketball academy coach at the college, said: “We’re absolutely delighted for Killian.

"One thing we’re proud of at Hartlepool Sixth Form is the doors we open up for our students and consider what is best for them regarding their development and opportunities.”

The college, which is part of Education Partnership North East, also has academies in football, netball and rugby.

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