Canterbury
Lions
Building athletes and character through the game we love — from first dribble to island championships, in a bilingual, internationally minded academy.
NBA — Dallas MavericksSanti Aldama learned the game here. Today he plays in the NBA.
He's not the only one. Our players compete today in the NBA, the women's EuroLeague and NCAA college basketball in the United States.
“Canterbury no es solo el club en el que he jugado toda mi carrera de formación, sino que también es mi segunda familia. Me ha regalado momentos y vivencias de un valor incalculable y amistades para toda la vida.”
Choose your pathway
Canterbury Lions runs two programmes on the same court: a school club for families on the island, and a full-time basketball programme for players relocating from abroad.
For players relocating from abroadInternational Basketball Programme
Live, train and study in Gran Canaria. British curriculum in English, daily basketball, supervised accommodation, and a pathway towards NCAA and European professional basketball.
- Accommodation, meals and adult supervision
- IGCSE and A-Levels taught in English
- Daily training and competitive fixtures
- Highlight video reviewed within 5 working days
For families in Gran CanariaSchool Club & Age-Group Teams
Six age groups, boys and girls, from first dribble to the island championship — training after school on the Canterbury campus.
- U8 through to senior teams
- Bilingual coaching, English and Spanish
- No prior club experience needed
- Winter, spring and summer camps
Rooted in Gran Canaria, built for every player
Canterbury Lions is the basketball academy of Canterbury School, welcoming local and international players onto one court. We pair structured coaching with a genuinely bilingual, British-curriculum environment — developing fundamentals, teamwork and confidence at every age.
Our programme runs across the school year with regular training, friendly fixtures and island competition, and alumni have gone on to NCAA scholarships and the NBA — guided by coaches who know the game and know how to teach it.
A team for every age
First steps in basketball — coordination, fun, and the basics of the game.
Building fundamentals: dribbling, passing, shooting form, and teamwork.
Structured training and first competitive fixtures against island schools.
Higher-intensity training with a full island league schedule.
Our flagship competitive team, representing Canterbury at championship level.
Adult and alumni players training and competing together year-round.
What a season here actually looks like
The questions families ask us first: where does my child sleep, who looks after them, what do they eat, and what happens at the weekend.
Supervised student accommodation minutes from campus and the sports hall.
Three meals a day, planned around a training and match schedule.
Named adult staff on duty, including evenings and weekends.
Access to medical care, physiotherapy and return-to-play support.
Where the team trains and plays
A full-size indoor court, an outdoor court with sea views, and a dedicated strength and conditioning space — across a 30,000+ m² secondary campus.
Full-size indoor court for training, league fixtures, and home games.
Open-air court used for conditioning sessions and summer camps.
Dedicated strength & conditioning space for our competitive squads.
Coaches who develop players and people
15+ years coaching youth and varsity basketball across Europe.
Former national league player leading our girls' development pathway.
Focused on skills development for U10–U14 age groups.
Runs athletic development for all competitive teams.
Are you a coach?
We're looking for coaches who want to grow with us. Tell us about your experience and we'll get in touch.
Home of Santi Aldama, Canterbury alumnus and NBA forward — proof of where dedication on this court can lead.
Players and coaches on life at Canterbury Lions
“Moving here from Sweden, I was nervous about fitting in. The team made it easy — bilingual training meant I never felt lost, on court or off.”
“We don't just teach basketball — we teach kids to speak up, in English or Spanish, on the court and in the classroom.”
“Playing island finals in front of the whole school was the proudest moment of my time here. Then training the next Monday like it was any other day.”
“My daughter joined Mini Lions barely able to dribble. Eighteen months on, basketball is the highlight of her week.”
Moments from the season
Home game — Varsity LionsSummer camp — Maspalomas Dunes
Camp conditioning sessionOpen training dayFrom the court
Varsity Lions reach island championship final
Our U18 team secured their spot in the finals after a strong playoff run.
Read the storyGirls programme expands with new U14 squad
Growing demand led to a new competitive team for younger girls this season.
Read the storyPreseason training camp wraps up
All age groups completed conditioning and skills camp ahead of league play.
Read the storyGear & merchandise
Camisa
p1Ready to join the squad?
Open to Canterbury students and external players across all age groups, from Gran Canaria and abroad. No prior club experience required for junior levels — plus winter, spring and summer camps for visiting players.
Register Your InterestSend us your child's (or your own) age group and playing experience.
Join an open training session — no commitment required.
Complete enrolment and get your training schedule.
Want to sponsor the Lions?
Partner with the academy as a sponsor. Tell us about your company and we'll reach out to explore how to collaborate.
Get in touch
Canterbury School Campus
San Lorenzo, Tafira, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain