Saudi student Rakan Alnasser seals basketball partnership with UK university

JEDDAH — Saudi scholarship student Rakan Alnasser has brokered a sports partnership between the Drs. Paces initiative and Loughborough Basketball in the United Kingdom, creating fresh opportunities for Saudi student-athletes to train and develop within one of Britain’s leading university sporting programmes.

Training and academic pathway

Under the agreement, Saudi student-athletes will be able to join Loughborough Basketball’s development programme as practice players. This gives them access to high-intensity training sessions, experienced coaches, and a well-established competitive basketball environment while they continue their academic studies.

The initiative is designed to help Saudi athletes gain international exposure, improve their technical skills, and benefit from the expertise at Loughborough University, an institution widely recognised for its sporting excellence.

Community and brand engagement

The partnership extends beyond basketball. Loughborough Basketball players are set to take part in activities organised by the Drs. Paces running club, strengthening sporting and community ties between the two sides.

As part of the deal, Drs. Paces will also receive brand exposure through Loughborough Basketball’s post-game scorecards.

Alnasser’s vision for Saudi sport

Alnasser said the partnership reflects his commitment to giving back to Saudi Arabia and contributing to the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding sports sector. He emphasised that his ambitions go beyond academic achievement to creating meaningful opportunities for Saudi athletes and linking them with international sporting expertise.

Alnasser also expressed pride in establishing a partnership that supports both his home country’s sporting ambitions and his university’s athletic community.