[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/NEDA-Logo.jpg” caption=”National Elite Development Academy logo”]McMaster University, Canada Basketball and local area high schools have partnered to create a residential elite athlete training centre in Hamilton. The National Elite Development Academy (NEDA) will bring together 12 of the top 15-to-17 year-olds from across the country to train under the guidance of Canada Basketball coaches.

The program will launch in September 2006 with the women's section of the academy, followed by the men's side in 2007. The academy will run for the academic year, September to June.

Athletes will be selected from Canada Basketball's national age group depth chart which is continually updated and managed by the Women's National Development Coach. NEDA candidates will be chosen by the women's national development coach in consultation with NEDA head coach, the women's senior national team head coach and the manager of women's elite performance. Players will be evaluated not just on basketball skills, but also on physical and psychological attributes.

The men's academy selection process will mirror that of the women's.

“Canada Basketball is excited about this new endeavour which will form a critical part of our 'Pathways to Excellence' program and help raise the level of basketball in this country,” said Fred Nykamp, executive director and CEO of Canada Basketball. “The National Development Academy provides world-class Canadian choice for our country's elite young athletes.”

NEDA student-athletes will have a choice to attend one of three schools in the Hamilton area and will have an option between public, separate and French-language education. They will be billeted with local area families and will have access to McMasters state-of-the-art athletic, health and student services.

“McMaster welcomes Canada Basketball,” commented Therese Quigly, director of Athletics and Recreation at McMaster University. “Next year, McMaster will open a new $30-million Athletics and Recreation Complex. The facility will provide Canada Basketball with access to the best facilities, medical and support services in the country.”

Student-athletes at NEDA will participate in an international tour each year and will compete against university and college teams, international junior age-group national teams, junior high school boys' teams and elite senior women's teams.