A FORMER professional is looking to inspire a winning generation of young players in Warrington.

Samit Nuruzade – a multi-championship winner as both a player and coach – has been appointed by Priestley College to lead its basketball programme.

The 38-year-old wants to inspire the dedication and passion that has seen him play professionally in Russia and coach both senior and junior teams to numerous titles in England.

Since arriving in the country a decade ago, Nuruzade has been primarily involved in programmes and player development at the country’s biggest club, Greater Manchester Youth.

His under 18s team won, among numerous other trophies, the Premier League North and the Sureshot National Cup.

Samit has also been head coach at Reading Rockets, the Thames Valley’s leading basketball squad.

There he won the National Trophy and twice triumphed in the end-of-season play-off championship.

His coaching highlight was doing a double of the Division One title and play-offs, leading him to be voted coach of the year by his peers in the English Basketball League.

“My goal here is to improve the programme, to win and to get as many people playing basketball as possible,” said Nuruzade, who has a masters degree in physical education.

“I love the environment and the atmosphere that has been created here.

“Some of these students are looking to a future in sport and I hope to get across to them the commitment it takes to achieve.”

His influence is already paying dividends, with Priestley defeating Loretto College in the first round of the British College’s National Cup 56-53.

Nigel Howells, head of sport at Priestley College, said: “We’re very lucky to have someone of Samit’s calibre leading the way with basketball at the college.

“He really is going to be an inspiration for our young players.”