Haringey Sixth Form College has appointed Franck Batimba as head coach of their basketball academy and an academic support mentor for 2018-19.

Batimba is head coach of the National champions Haringey Hawks, having just led the under-16s to the title by beating Manchester 71-55 at the start of May.

Haringey Sixth Form College principal Russ Lawrence said: “We’ve worked hard over the last two years establishing the college as the go-to place for an outstanding education.

“Learner progress made here is better than at any other college in north London and we are constantly working on ways in which we can improve the learner experience at the college.

“The appointment of Franck is an endorsement of our core values. These are centered around achieving excellence in everything we do, and this also reflects our vision of continuing to strive forward, plus being a strong foundation in the community.

“I am confident that with Franck as part of #TeamHaringey6 this will help to take our brand forward. He has already demonstrated his enthusiasm, commitment and belief in our promising future.”

Batimba added: “I’ve worked in Haringey for a number of years and have been aware of the Haringey Sixth Form for a long time. But I must say since meeting with Russ,vice principal Lisa Westray and seeing the progress made in the last two years and the vision for the future, joining the Sixth Form team was a no-brainer.

“The staff work very hard to ensure the students achieve their potential and recent results clearly support this. I look forward to joining this amazing college.

“A number of players from the under-16 team just crowned National champions are enrolling at the college. I want them to benefit from the great education as well as me coaching them at elite level. I love to empower young people and am confident I’ll be able to do just that at Haringey Sixth Form College.”

Lawrence added: “We look for people who display a passion and desire for the role, whatever that is. Franck impressed us all and once he emerged as a candidate we knew we had the right person and right role for this amazing college.

“Franck is passionate about working within the wider set-up at the college and community. I see him as being influential way beyond the confines of the basketball court.”