University of Westminster will not play in the BUCS Premier Division for 2023-24.
British Universities Colleges & Sport (BUCS) did not promote the University of Westminster to the Premier Division due to player eligibility issues that arose during the Playoff Final against Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Initially, Cardiff Met’s appeal for the BUCS Premier Playoff game between Westminster was rejected due to an incorrect submission. However, after investigating the matter further, BUCS ultimately ruled in favour of Cardiff Met two months later.
Head of Basketball, Clive Castillo released the following statement:
“At Westminster Basketball, we strive to maintain a high level of transparency and professionalism in all our operations.
All our athletes who played last season were all enrolled as full time students at the University Westminster for the 2022-23 academic year. Our programme takes pride in our successful participation and graduation rate, and they are all students that are proud to represent Westminster.
Naturally, the team was devastated and disappointed by the outcome of the appeal. Throughout the entire academic year, we worked tirelessly and made sacrifices to achieve our goal for the season. The University of Westminster Students’ Union and the University of Westminster provided us with ample support, and they all bought into the programme’s vision. It was a truly special season, and we’re grateful for the experience.”
– Clive Castillo, Westminster Head of Basketball
The University of Westminster provided an official letter stamped with evidence of the student’s eligibility, acknowledging their status as students for the academic year. Unfortunately, this evidence wasn’t found valid by BUCS.
Coach Clive Castillo added regarding the final result:
“We achieved something bigger than a basketball result. Than a basketball status. We shifted a sporting culture here at the University of Westminster. To some status is all they have.
Sports Scholarships are are now available here at Westminster, Dragons participation level for all sports have significantly increased, Dragons teams are elevating and we have a brand new sports facility which will be ready this academic year. That was always the bigger vision to provide and grow more opportunities for education and sport.
We won when it mattered. That’s the one that really counts. Those moments they can never take away from us.
This season will be redemption, and our goal is to do it all again.”– Clive Castillo, Westminster Head of Basketball
The final decision doesn’t won’t have any impact on Westminster’s BUCS Division 1 South-Eastern title, which they won during the 2022-23 season.
View this post on Instagram
The BUCS season will begin in October 2023.