Teesside were pleased to welcome Professor Mark Simpson, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Teesside University to Olympia Arena for the final home game of the season, and a big 19pt victory over Cardiff Met Archers.

Photographed with Lions CEO James Thomson and 15 year old prodigy Jaydon Wise-Malcolm, who was recently called up to the Great Britain combine, Professor Simpson attended with his family and parents in one of the largest crowds of the season.

Professor Simpson is a big advocate for sport in the area and has been instrumental in the development of sports academies at the University with netball and football already bearing fruit.

With Professor Simpson’s blessing; Teesside Lions moved into Olympia Arena at the start of the season in a signal of the mutually beneficial partnership between Teesside Lions and Teesside University.

Professor Simpson and James Thomson have been working together on raising the level of sports, and basketball in particular. James is also the Head Coach of the University basketball programme, which will be announcing exciting new signings ahead of the new BUCS season in September.

James said: “It was great to welcome Professor Simpson and his family to the game. It was a great advert for basketball and the university.

"We have placed a lot of time and energy into developing the university programme over the years and are now in a place where we are attracting players of a high calibre, interested in studying as an elite student athlete here at Teesside University.

“Teesside is an attractive option for prospective students with a great campus, highly regarded courses and of course the opportunity to play high level basketball with the Teesside Lions.”

In addition to the athletes, Teesside Lions have been supporting student placements in journalism, sport & exercise and sports therapy, providing valuable work experience.

If you are interested in studying at Teesside University, visit www.Tees.ac.uk