Hamza the Physio: Our New Performance Partner

Hamza Malik (Hamza the Physio) Partners with LDM Basketball Academy

We’re proud to announce a new official partnership with Hamza Malik, known across the city as Hamza the Physio, as he takes on the role of Head of Performance for the LDM Basketball Academy.

Hamza has been volunteering with us since 2021, supporting our athletes with injury prevention, rehabilitation, and physical development. Now, through this partnership with his business, he will lead our academy’s performance strategy—bringing expert care, professionalism, and a deep understanding of athlete wellbeing.

At just 24, Hamza already holds a First-Class Honours degree in Physiotherapy, has worked with Bradford City Football Club, is a lecturer at the University of Bradford, and successfully launched his own physiotherapy business—supporting athletes and clients across Leeds and West Yorkshire.

This is another exciting partnership with someone who knows LDM inside and out—Hamza has been part of the journey as we’ve grown, volunteering with us since 2021 and supporting our players both on and off the court. Anyone who has met Hamza will know he’s a role model for many young people in the area—not just for what he does, but for how he carries himself.

This partnership strengthens our commitment to working with people from our community—people who live the values we teach and who inspire the next generation by example.

Hamza had this to say about the partnership:

‘Growing up in Leeds, sport and community were always central to my life. I was a regular at the Chapeltown Mandela Courts, and I still remember being part of painting the outdoor courts when LDM refurbished them—that connection to the basketball culture in Leeds has been there since day one.

My journey into physiotherapy started even earlier. At just 9 years old, my sister and I began training in MMA every Saturday at 8am. That dojo became my second home. I trained hard each week, getting upto 2nd dan black belt at only 15 years old and teaching as an instructor until I was 18. That routine taught me discipline, physical awareness, and how to push my body to its limits week after week.

Physiotherapy felt like a natural progression—it combines everything I value: coaching, wellbeing, solving problems, and making a real impact in people’s lives. It’s not just about recovery, it’s about unlocking potential.

To now be working officially with LDM as Head of Performance means a lot. This isn't just a partnership—it’s a full-circle moment. I’ve been with the team as a physio since 2021, and stepping into this expanded role is an opportunity to give back to a community that shaped me, while pushing these athletes to reach new heights’

Much more to come!