Amy Conroy signs for UEL East London Phoenix
GB Star Conroy Signs for the Phoenix
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GB Star Conroy Signs for the Phoenix
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Published
05 November 2021
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Conroy becomes the second player announcement for the University of East London (UEL) franchise as they look to build momentum ahead of the inaugural British Wheelchair Basketball Women's Premier League season.
Having made her international debut as a teenager in 2010, the 29-year-old has since been a regular feature in the national sides and will look to lead the Phoenix in their debut season.
A 4.0 classification player, Conroy makes the move down to London and is looking forward to her new challenges on and off the court.
The first thing that drew me in was the chance to live in London and the fact that it's the first ever franchise that the University of East London have launched," Conroy said.
I’ve moved here very recently and the team are lovely, the staff are great - just all of it, I'm so excited."
Conroy brings a wealth of experience with her, winning six international medals including the 2015 U25 World Championships, where she was named the tournament's most valuable player (MVP).
Head Coach, Michael Hanson-Morris, added:
Amy has been a staple for the GB team for a few years now and she'll bring some experience to the roster and some leadership which will help our younger players."
The Capital's First Ever Franchise
The East London Phoenix are one of four women's wheelchair basketball teams taking part in the upcoming Premier League and are the first of its kind to be based in London.
With the aim of raising sporting opportunities in the surrounding area, the Phoenix team are excited about the future of the sport and what will come from the launch of this new league.
Director of Sport, James Kilden, said: "It's going to show the women that play the sport and aspiring girls that the opportunity is out there, and they don't need to go abroad to play wheelchair basketball."
As a result of the partnership with the University, players will be able to use bespoke and high-quality training facilities, plus they can study alongside playing.
UEL have a High Performance Programme which frequently takes on athletes who play alongside their studies, but the Phoenix will mark a further step forward for the University.
High Performance Manager, Will Ashby, explained,
We've never had a wheelchair basketball programme beyond the BUCS League and to have the elite athletes come and join us is really exciting."