Dartford Tigers is a British basketball club based in Dartford, Kent.[1] The club was originally founded in 2021 as the Kent Tigers, and changed its name in 2024 following a relaunch after stopping operations for 10 months. The club rapidly gained prominence within the British basketball community with by winning back-to-back championships in he Medway Basketball Association.[2]
| Dartford Tigers | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Founded | 2021 | |||
| History | Dartford Tigers 2021–2023 2024–present | |||
| Arena | Leigh Academy | |||
| Location | Dartford, Kent | |||
| Team colors | Orange, black, white | |||
| Main sponsor | Timeline Athlete | |||
| General manager | Sten Mayunga | |||
| Ownership | Mayunga Enterprises | |||
| Championships | 1 MBA 1st Division 1 MBA 2nd Division 1 MBA 3rd Division 1 Nobby Crouch Plate | |||
| Website | dartfordtigers.com | |||
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History
editDartford Tigers began its journey in Division 3 of the local league, quickly establishing itself as a formidable force in the region.[3] The inception of the club was driven by a desire to create a community-focused and elite basketball club within the Kent region.
In 2022, the club expanded its program with the launch of its juniors program. This program offers structured basketball training and competitive opportunities for boys and girls from under-12 to under-18 levels. The same year, Dartford Tigers entered into a significant partnership with the Universities at Medway. This collaboration aimed at taking control over the basketball program at the Medway University campus, enhancing opportunities for university students to engage in high-level basketball.
In its inaugural season, the Men's senior team showcased exceptional performance by going unbeaten in the League and clinching both the Medway Basketball Association D3 title and the Nobby Crouch Plate with a decisive 93–41 win over Iroquois.[4]
Dartford Tigers is committed to providing a complete player pathway, a vision championed by General Manager Sten Mayunga. The club operates in Dartford and other areas within Kent, catering to various abilities and genders. In addition, Dartford Tigers has formed a partnership with Little Hoopers, a child-friendly basketball program known for its innovative approach to introducing basketball to young children. Little Hoopers' programs, designed for children as young as three years old, focus on creating a safe, fun, and educational environment for young children. This partnership enriches the club's structure, extending its pathway to include foundational basketball experiences for toddlers and preschoolers, fostering early engagement with the sport.
As a club driven by community involvement, Dartford Tigers has prioritised establishing avenues for local participation and sports advancement. The collaboration with the Universities at Medway and Little Hoopers underscores their dedication to nurturing basketball at both grassroots and university levels, fostering a sustainable and inclusive expansion of the sport within the region. This strategy resulted in their recognition as the Basketball England South East Community Club of the Year in 2022.
Relaunching Club Operations
editIn early 2023, the Dartford Tigers Basketball Club temporarily suspended operations. This hiatus led to a significant development in the club's trajectory, culminating in the announcement of a relaunch scheduled for January, 2024.[5] A pivotal moment, signaling not just a resumption of activities but a considerable expansion in the club's focus, particularly on youth development and community engagement.[6]
Following the successful relaunch and in alignment with its renewed focus and expansion, the club underwent a significant rebranding. As of March 2024, Dartford Tigers officially changed its name to Dartford Tigers. This rebranding reflects not only the club's geographical identity but also its commitment to serving and representing the Dartford community more explicitly. The Dartford Tigers name symbolises a fresh start and a renewed dedication to basketball excellence, community engagement, and the development of players at all levels. This change heralds a new era for the club, as it continues to build on its legacy while embracing new opportunities for growth and impact within the Dartford area.
A key aspect of the relaunch was the expansion of the youth development program. The club, in partnership with Little Hoopers, introduced basketball sessions for children starting from the age of three. These sessions were designed to develop foundational basketball skills in an engaging and enjoyable environment, aiming to foster early interest in the sport.
Furthermore, the relaunch addressed the needs of older youth and adults. It included training and competitive opportunities for senior men's and women's teams, reflecting the club's aim to provide basketball development opportunities across all age groups and skill levels.[7]
The club's vision for the relaunch emphasised not only skill development in basketball but also the enrichment of the community. The club's initiatives were geared towards promoting values such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience among young players. Additionally, the relaunch included plans to enhance engagement with local schools and universities. This involved coaching, mentorship, and community events, aimed at integrating basketball into the local cultural and sports landscape, demonstrating the club's dedication to impactful community involvement.
Honours
editMBA D1
- Winners (1): 2022–23
MBA D2
- Winners (1): 2022–23
Joe Jagger Cup
- Runners Up (1): 2022–23
MBA D3
- Winners (1): 2021–22
Nobby Crouch Plate
- Winners (1): 2021–22
Season by season
edit| Champions | Runners-up | Playoff berth |
| DNQ | Did not qualify | |
| Dartford Tigers | |||||||||||||
| Season | Tier | League | Finish | Pld | W | L | Win% | Playoffs | Cup | Trophy | Head coach | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | 7 | MBA 3 | 1st 
|
10 | 10 | 0 | 1.000 | 1st Round | DNQ | Winners | Jerry Jaranilla | ||
| 2022–23 | 6 | MBA 2 | 1st
|
16 | 14 | 2 | .875 | DNC | 1st Round | Quarter-final | Akin Lisk-Carew | ||
| 2022–23 | 5 | MBA 1 | 1st
|
14 | 13 | 1 | .929 | DNC | Runners Up | DNC | Jerry Jaranilla | ||
| 2023–24 | No team entered in the League | ||||||||||||
Head coaches
edit| 2021–2023 |  Jerry Jaranilla
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References
edit- ^ "Dartford Tigers Basketball Club". www.active-together.org. Retrieved 2023-12-20.
- ^ "Basketball England appoints Sten as new Chair of South East". Basketball England. 14 July 2022.
- ^ "About Dartford Tigers Basketball club". Dartford Tigers. 18 September 2021.
- ^ "Kent Tigers are winners of MBA Nobby Crouch Plate 2021/22". 30 April 2022.
- ^ "Kent Tigers Basketball Club set to relaunch at The Leigh Academy in Dartford". Kent Online. 23 December 2023.
- ^ Andrew Bruce (15 December 2023). "Kent Tigers announce relaunch". Kent Sports News.
- ^ Bartholomew Hall (18 December 2023). "Reporting on Kent Tigers relaunch - Kent Tonight". KMTV.