On this page:

• National Basketball Heritage Collection and Archive Presentation
• National Basketball Heritage Collection and Archive Highlight
• Fellowship Trophy Presentation
• Member News: Vic Ambler RIP, Dr Sadie Mason MBE DL, Keith Mollard, Peter Mattli, Nicky Shaw, Simon Fisher

National Basketball Heritage Collection and Archive Presentation

8th December 2025

We are pleased to confirm that the unveiling of the display cabinet, purchased by the fellowship, for the use of the NBHC&A will take place from noon on Friday 23rd January 2026.

Invitations have been sent to all Fellows. 

You must reply to Worcester, no later than 14th January, via the email address given on the invitation.

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Heritage Collection and Archive Highlight

30th November 2025

We are very pleased to share the news that The National Basketball Heritage Collection and Archive's History of Basketball outreach Project has been chosen as one of the National Archive's 'Highlights' in their 'year in Archives' publication.

The publication showcases and celebrates the work of archives across the country which embody the sector's vision of 'archives Unlocked'.

The HA&C project aimed to introduce undergraduate and sixth form students to the world of archives in a familiar context - basketball! The sessions were a great success and it is intended to run more in the very near future.

Great work by Katy Small and all connected with the NBHC&A!

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Fellowship Trophy Presentation

14th November 2025

It has been some years since the Fellowship Trophy was last presented. Originally, the award was given to organisations whose financial support or other contribution had a significant impact on the development of our sport. 

It was becoming more difficult for the Committee to identify such benefactors and so it was agreed to use the Award to focus on the development of the sport in the community, to increase awareness of the part basketball can play in supporting young people, to highlight the great work being undertaken by clubs across the country, and to raise the profile of the Fellowship. 

To do so we have studied a number of community based projects across the country which have provided opportunities for young people to develop both basketball and life-skills through their engagement with the sport. 

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English Basketball Fellowship Trophy

awarded to

Newcastle Eagles Community Foundation

Newcastle Eagles Community Foundation were presented with the 2025 English Basketball Fellowship Trophy prior to the Newcastle Eagles v Sheffield Sharks game on 14th November.

Fellowship Chair, Andy Milbourne noted that, "This prestigious award highlights the Eagles Community Foundation's sustained commitment to making basketball accessible and inclusive for all. Their efforts not only foster talent but also build strong community ties whilst supporting personal development and healthy lifestyles".

The Fellowship were impressed by their breadth of work across the North East and the way in which the Foundation brings so many different initiatives together under the Eagles umbrella, creating a clear pathway from grassroots to the top level of the sport for players, coaches, officials and administrators.

Samantha Blake DL, CEO of the Foundation commented, We are honoured to receive such an award which acknowledges the hard work of everyone across the years providing a player pathway structure to our young people in the North East of England."

The Foundation programme currently offers:

1. 13 junior Eagles basketball clubs across Northumberland, Tyne & Wear with 2000+ members - age groups from U6 to U18
2. 162 junior Eagles teams competing in the Eagles junior league based at our arena on weekends.
3. 10 performance academy teams 
4. Eagles coaches and players involved with home countries and GB
5. A health education programme working with Years 5 and 6 with over 3,500 young people participating 
6. A STEM education programme working with Years 3,4,5,6,7 with over 3,000 young people benefiting 
7. A junior mentoring programme providing NGB qualifications in coaching, refereeing and officiating seeing progression from the junior league to Super League Basketball Men's and Women's games
8. Eagles hosting eight GB senior men's international games
9. Hosting the World Transplant Games basketball competition
10. Hosting the GB International Maxi Basketball Federation Tournament 

Pictures by Abbie Orwin

Recipients of the Fellowship Trophy

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Vic Ambler RIP

We received this news from Mel Welch on 13th November.

It is with great sadness that I write to tell you that Vic Ambler died shortly after 12 noon yesterday. He had been in hospital since last Friday. 

Vic was the very successful coach to the England Men's Team in the 1980s and a member of the National Executive Committee of the English Basketball Association for many years, and Chairman of the International Committee.

It is sad to see the passing of such a great coach and educationalist who was such an influence, through his coaching, teaching and writings, on a generation of coaches and players.

We will mark his passing with a piece in the next newsletter and publish funeral arrangements when known.

Some immediate responses:

Sad news indeed,

I remember playing under his coaching as England captain a few times   He was always good company.  

Carl Olsson

I knew Vic wasn't well when his grandson replied to my emails to him. 
He gave me my first England caps, and I'll never forget the Jersey, Istanbul, Bratislava, Prague summer when we went from the qualifiers all the way to the EuroBasket finals. 
RIP Vic. 

Paul Stimpson

Sad news. I played under Vic when he took over the England team from Vaughan Thomas (what news of him?) half way through a game/tourney, temporarily leaving us without a coach! Seems an awful long time ago now! 

Hux. (Barry Huxley)

Sorry to hear the sad news.

Vic was a lovely gent often popping into the Leeds office – had time for everyone whatever their station in the organisation. 

Brian Aldred

The Fellowship will resending a donation to Dementia UK in memory of Vic.

Link to BE Obituary: https://basketballengland.co.uk/news/in-memory-of-vic-ambler

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Dr. Sadie Mason MBE DL

We offer our congratulations to Sadie upon her recent award of an Honorary Doctor of Science Degree from The University of Greenwich in recognition of her 35 years of service to basketball.

Upon learning of this award we contacted Sadie to congratulate her. She replied to say, "Thank you, it was indeed a surprise and an honour I was humbled to accept."

The full story is one the BE website and can be found via the link below: 

https://basketballengland.co.uk/news/honorary-doctorate-and-appointed-to-represent-the-king-for-be-s-sadie-mason-mbe

Keith Mollard

Keith was among the founders of the Fellowship, and one of only four surviving. 

Thanks to work undertaken by Richard Stokes, Andy contacted Keith who has rejoined the Fellowship, bought shares in the 100 club, and submitted an updated profile.

We have contacted the Heritage Collection and Archive regarding transfer of some of Keith's material to the collection.

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Peter Mattli

Peter is another of our surviving Founders. He was one time editor of Basketball magazine, but the news about him is not so positive

In October, Phil Ireson travelled to Peter last known address in Wellingborough.

 His son and family now live there, Peter suffered a major stroke in 2018, was taken to a local care home and despite all odds against he survives to this day, but his sons advises that his health is failing noticeably. (12.10.25)

His wife Elaine passed just over two years ago.

Peters father was a top Chef working in Paris, Metropolitan Hotels head hunted him and offered him a job in Manchester which was accepted, the family moved there and one or two other places before settling in Sheffield when Peter was twelve.

He met Elaine when they both worked for British Steel before moving to Wellingborough where Peter became a Director with Scott Bader until he retired.

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Nicky Shaw wins Special Award in Croatia

Congratulations to Nicky Shaw FIMBA GB Lead Delegate  at the recent Masters Basketball World Cup in Croatia, was presented with a Special Recognition Award.

Read all about it here:-

nicky-shaw-wins-special-award-in-croatia

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Simon Fisher

Coach Fisher has been with the University of Worcester coaching staff since 2021, combining his role as the Head Coach of Worcester Wolves Premier League Team, alongside coaching duties for the Men's 2nd team.

He has recently been appointed to the GB 60's staff for the European Maxi-Ball Championships in 2026. 

Simon spent a number years coaching within the English & Welsh National Team programmes, leading the U16's programme within respective nations to medal success on multiple occasions. His coaching career within Basketball has also seen him coach within EABL, u18 National Premier Leagues and Men's Division 1 National League.