Emre Yolcu is a basketball coach and former player from Turkey with years of experience in the sport. He started coaching at 17 and has worked with players of all ages and skill levels.
He studied at Marmara University's Sports Faculty and later became a qualified Physical Education teacher. Over the years, he has focused on helping players improve their fundamentals through both team coaching and one-on-one training. As a player and coach, he has won multiple medals and achieved great success.
In 2020, Emre moved to London, where he continued coaching and worked with national league teams. He has coached for clubs such as Fenerbahce Sports Club, Doga College, Cevre College, RDF, Baltic Stars, and Hackney Wolves.
In 2023, Emre and his friends Jordan and Elliott started HOF Sports Academy to support young athletes and help them reach their full potential in basketball.
Elliott began his coaching journey whilst studying at Havering Sixth Form College in 2011 where he studied Physical Education and completed his Community Sports Leadership award. From here he went on to work with various sport and exercise organisations and progressed to achieve his Level 2 Coaching qualification in Basketball and has since worked with children and adults of all ages and backgrounds.
After achieving his Level 3 Diploma: Children and Young Peoples Workforce in 2020, Elliott has worked in different provisions for young people including schools, care homes and leisure facilities. He is dedicated to safeguarding the well-being of all participants, his coaching philosophy focuses not only on technical skill development but also on nurturing values such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience. He specialises in providing support for vulnerable young people, including those with Social, Emotional, and Behavioural difficulties, autism, and ADHD. Collaborating closely with families and professionals to facilitate therapeutic interventions and recreational activities aimed at promoting independence and well-being, empowering young people to overcome challenges and flourish within their communities.
In 2023 Elliott, along with his brother Jordan and friend Emre, founded HOF Sports Academy to support aspiring athletes in reaching their full potential.
Jordan's journey began with a childhood fascination sparked by watching Michael Jordan in "Space Jam," igniting a passion for basketball that would shape his life. Since 2002, Jordan has been a fixture on various teams and tournaments, showcasing his love for the sport.
In 2010, Jordan solidified his commitment to sports by earning a qualification in physical education and sports leadership from St. Edwards. This propelled him into a career as a sports coach for various organizations, where he honed his skills and obtained a basketball coaching qualification in 2014. Since then, he's dedicated himself to coaching children of all ages and backgrounds, sharing his expertise and love for the game.
Beyond the court, Jordan's diverse background includes impactful work with children in care homes, primary and secondary schools, serving as a learning mentor, support worker, and creative youth worker. His commitment to nurturing young minds extends beyond sports, reflecting his passion for holistic development.
Jordan's academic pursuits also shine brightly, as he graduated from Goldsmiths University of London with a degree in media and communications, specializing in creative writing. This blend of athleticism, empathy, and creativity defines Jordan's unique journey, shaping him into a multifaceted individual dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others.