ACADEMY GETS SMOKIN' NEW SPONSOR FOR 2025/26 SEASON.

The City Of Leeds Basketball Academy is delighted to announce that Hickory's Smokehouse, Adel will become the official Academy sponsor ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The City Of Leeds Basketball Academy has recently established an exciting new partnership with national Smokehouse brand Hickory's. Following Hickory's expressing an interest in all aspects of our pathway, from community through to performance, we are pleased to say we have signed an annual agreement with the American-themed restaurant. Hickory's will not only sponsor both the home and away jerseys of the City Of Leeds Basketball Academy, based at Allerton High School, but they have also committed to supporting events, both at the newly opened restaurant itself and those that we run throughout our annual calendar.

Most recently, we celebrated our U16 Boys Gold and COLBA awards ceremony in the private Sports Book lounge of the restaurant, where we honoured players for their contributions in the season, while notably presenting our graduating class from Allerton High School, with their framed Academy jerseys.

COLBA Director of Basketball Matt Newby was thrilled at the new partnership:

“Hickory's, in the infancy of our partnership, have been incredible in their support for what we do within our programme. The restaurant itself is a fantastic place to eat, celebrate and taste and sample a fine selection of Smokehouse flavours and we have been fortunate enough to entertain our staff, players, visiting tour parties and parents at the venue. The high level of hospitality, atmosphere and service has been a pleasure to experience and the interest from the staff and management in our basketball pathway means a great deal. I would like to thank Jessica Georgallis, Robyn Harrison and Carly Pedersen, who have been integral to the growth of this relationship. I am excited to see the Academy roll out in the 2025/26 season with Hickory's logo emblazoned across their chest."

Jessica Georgallis, General Manager of Hickory's Smokehouse Adel was full of praise for this exciting new partnership:

“Hickory’s Smokehouse is incredibly proud to sponsor the City Of Leeds Basketball Academy with a partnership that means a great deal to us, and one that actually began even before our Adel restaurant officially opened its doors in 2024. This collaboration marked our very first connection with the local community, and it has set the tone for the kind of relationships we want to build in the area: ones rooted in passion, positivity, and long-term support. From the start, the energy and commitment of everyone involved at the City Of Leeds Basketball programme has been truly inspiring. Their dedication to developing young talent, promoting teamwork, and creating opportunities through sport perfectly reflects the values we hold dear at Hickory’s – community, authenticity, and heart.

“On Saturday, we were honoured to play host to the Club’s Academy Awards, a brilliant event that celebrates the incredible effort and achievements of the players, coaches, and volunteers. It was a proud moment for us as our sponsored jersey was formally presented to Jessica, our General Manager at Adel by the Senior Academy players themselves. This moment symbolised more than just a sponsorship, it reflected a growing partnership and a shared commitment to supporting young people, grassroots sports, and the local community. We look forward to continuing this journey together and cheering the team on every step of the way!"

We are always for businesses who have an interest in supporting what we do. Should you have an interest in supporting or sponsoring any aspect of our programme, please reach out via email to j.quinn@cityofleedsbasketballclub.co.uk.