about gators basketball
Gators Basketball is a youth basketball organisation based in Thurrock, Essex, UK, providing basketball coaching and development opportunities for boys and girls.
From our Community Club in Thurrock to specialist player development and our International Academy, we provide clear pathways for young players from beginner level through to competitive and international basketball.
more than a basketball club
our mission
Our mission is to make high-quality basketball development accessible while creating opportunities that extend beyond the local game.
We want every young person who joins Gators to feel supported, challenged and valued—whether they are attending their first basketball session or preparing to compete internationally.
It’s a philosophy that all of our players are the priority…..
“ Players First ”
The needs and development of our players are at the heart of every decision we make. This means providing high-quality coaching, creating meaningful opportunities and supporting each player as an individual.
We believe effective development goes beyond teaching basketball skills. If we can help young people become confident, disciplined and positive contributors to society, we are succeeding both on and off the court. Our coaching develops:
Strong technical foundations
Intelligent decision-making
Hard work and discipline
Confidence and resilience
Accountability and self-belief
Teamwork and leadership
A genuine enjoyment of the game
Winning matters, but it is not our only measure of success. Our goal is to develop confident young people who are prepared to compete, learn and succeed in different environments anywhere in the world.
PLAYERS FIRST
Lee Mccarthy
founder and programme director
Lee McCarthy has more than 20 years of experience delivering basketball programmes across schools, community clubs, National League teams, elite academies and international events.
As a player, Lee competed professionally in Europe and at the highest level of basketball in the UK. Throughout his coaching career, he has helped players progress into national teams, leading European academies, US scholarships and professional basketball.
Lee’s most recent coaching achievements include:
GB Men’s Over-40s Masters coach and European bronze medallist
U14 Zaragoza international tournament champion
Zaragoza Coach of the Tournament
U16 Kortrijk international tournament finalist
More than two decades of player-development experience
Basketball provided Lee with opportunities, positive role models and experiences that helped shape his life. Gators was created to provide those same opportunities for the next generation.
our coaches
Coach Aks brings over 15 years of coaching experience and a passion for player development.
A semi-professional player in the UK with a brief stint in Holland and Italy.
He is the current Head Coach of the HCACP U19 CBL Academy.
He is committed to developing elite talent and using basketball as a positive outlet to inspire and guide young people on and off the court.
Ahmad elwerdany
Coach AKS
Coach L is a former professional player whose career spans over 16 years, having played in Italy and the top flight in the UK. He is now one of the UK’s Elite Development coaches, bringing a wealth of championship experience at all levels.
A global mentor, guiding players both on and off the court, he also has experience coaching on international programmes across Europe.
His leadership inspires growth, discipline and excellence through every stage of development.
LAurent irish
coach L
SAFEGUARDING AND PLAYER WELFARE
The safety and wellbeing of every young person is central to everything we do.
Our safeguarding policy ensures Gators is committed to:
Maintaining clear safeguarding procedures
Using appropriately checked and suitable coaches
Providing safe and inclusive training environments
Communicating appropriately with parents and guardians
Responding promptly to concerns
Treating every player with dignity and respect
Our safeguarding structure includes a designated safeguarding lead and deputy safeguarding lead with clear responsibility for player welfare.