Sheffield Sharks and Bond Bryan Launch Elevate Programme

Sheffield Sharks and Bond Bryan Launch New Programme to Build Futures Through Basketball and Architecture

The B. Braun Sheffield Sharks and leading architectural design practice Bond Bryan are proud to announce the launch of the Bond Bryan Elevate Programme — a groundbreaking initiative aimed at opening young people’s eyes to new career possibilities by fusing the energy of basketball with the creativity of architecture and design.

The Elevate Programme is designed to break barriers, challenge perceptions, and empower the next generation with a deeper understanding of both sport and the built environment — offering a unique and engaging pathway into careers in construction-related professions.

Creating Opportunities, Building Legacy

Through a series of school-based workshops and basketball sessions, students will get hands-on experience in both industries — working closely with professionals from Bond Bryan and the Sheffield Sharks team. The programme focuses on reaching students from a variety of backgrounds, especially those underrepresented in both sport and construction-related fields.

The initiative will culminate in a celebratory 3x3 basketball tournament, hosted at the iconic Canon Medical Arena — a facility designed by Bond Bryan and home to the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks. Schools from across the region will compete in a high-energy event that highlights teamwork, resilience, and creativity — the very qualities that connect sport and design.

“The Elevate Programme is about more than basketball and buildings — it’s about unlocking potential,” said Marko Backovic, Head of Operations at the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks. “By teaming up with Bond Bryan, we’re giving young people the chance to explore future careers they may never have considered, while building confidence, community and connection through sport.”

Jon Rigby, Bond Bryan Director, added:
“We are incredibly honoured and fortunate to partner with the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks to create the Bond Bryan Elevate Programme—an initiative designed to unlock potential for the next generation of school students across South Yorkshire. The programme aligns with everything we stand for as a practice: giving back, inspiring young people, and using our influence and responsibility to act as positive role models. It is about opening doors to future careers, building confidence, and helping the bright stars of tomorrow see what’s possible, both on and off the court.”

Workshop Breakdown: A 360º Experience

As part of the Elevate Programme, students will rotate through three interactive and engaging workshops

• Who Are We? Meet Our Squad / Follow in our Footsteps
  Meet the people behind Bond Bryan. Team members from a wide range of backgrounds share their personal journeys — from education to employment — showing the diverse paths into careers in architecture, engineering, and construction.

• Create: Build Your Own Arena
  A hands-on design challenge where students work in teams to build a model of a sports arena conceived by their group. Designing with stability, scale and sustainability in mind, the session introduces core ideas behind architecture and arena design — all while encouraging collaboration and problem-solving.

• Basketball Session
  Delivered by B. Braun Sheffield Sharks coaching staff, these fun and inclusive sessions teach core basketball skills, promote physical activity, and build confidence. Sessions focus on teamwork, communication, and resilience — skills that are just as valuable in the workplace as they are on the court.

Elevate Programme: The Grand Finale

The programme culminates in an exciting 3x3 basketball tournament hosted at the Canon Medical Arena, where male and female teams from each participating school will compete in a day of high-energy action and celebration. The event will also showcase the students’ arena designs and offer the chance to engage with local role models in both basketball and construction.

Citywide Design Challenge

In addition to the schools participating in the Elevate Programme, there’s an exciting opportunity for all creatives throughout the city to take part:

The Elevate Design Challenge:
Bond Bryan are inviting students from across the city to submit their own designs for a brand-new, state-of-the-art arena. Selected designers will be invited for a studio tour, have their design brought to life, and receive VIP tickets to a B. Braun Sheffield Sharks basketball match.

See how to enter here