Four nations tournaments set to get underway this week
The best and brightest talent from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales is set to do battle in Four Nations Tournaments taking place across various junior age groups.
The Home Country Associations and Ireland will compete in Under-14s, Under-16s and Under-18s Men’s and Women’s competitions in Dublin, Cardiff, AND Dundee, commencing this week.
Schedule
April 5/6 2023: Under-16 Men’s and Women’s Tournaments – National Basketball Arena, Dublin
April 12/13 2023: Under-18 Men’s and Women’s Tournaments – Archers Arena, Cardiff
May 26/28: Under-14 Boys and Girls – Dundee
All three competitions will be live-streamed and information on how to tune in, as well as ticketing information, can be found on the respective host nations’ social media accounts.
The level of talent on show from each of the competing nations in last year’s competition was as impressive as it was inspiring, with the Four Nations proving a fantastic development platform for some of Great Britain’s future stars.
Ahead of the U16s competition getting started in Dublin this week, Basketball Ireland CEO, John Feehan said:
“It’s wonderful to host the U16 Four Nations here in Dublin, the tournament was rekindled at U16 and U18 level last year to great success. We are really looking forward to welcoming England, Scotland and Wales to the National Basketball Arena, for an action-packed two-day tournament.
“It’s a great opportunity for our players to compete in a top-level tournament at U16 and U18 level and provides excellent building blocks for them, as they develop through our underage structure. The tournament also brings welcome preparation for our players and coaching staff ahead of FIBA Youth European Championships in the summer.”
The U18s competition follows the week after in Cardiff, ahead of which Basketball Wales CEO Gavin Williams added:
“Basketball Wales is really proud to be hosting the U18 Four Nations Tournament again this year. Last year’s event was a great success and we are looking to build on this again this year. All the Four Nations Tournaments provide a great opportunity for the best U14, U16 and U18 players within each home country to showcase their talents and for the U16s and U18s to make a case for being selected for the GB youth teams.
“As well as providing a platform for the most talented U18 men and women to showcase their skills we are also providing opportunities for referees, table officials and statisticians from each home country to participate in international games. Aspiring commentators will also get the chance to work on our live production of all 12 games across the two days.”
The U14s competition takes place in Dundee in May and Stephen Ferguson, Chair of basketballscotland, said:
“Collaboration is key to the future success of basketball, and that includes collaboration between countries and their governing bodies. We are delighted once again to be part of this ever-growing Four Nations tournament. It’s an opportunity for us all to test ourselves, celebrate our national identities, and to grow and learn both individually and collectively – all within the framework of the sport we love.
“We’d like to extend a huge thank you to the governing bodies of Ireland, England and Wales for their friendship, commitment and hard work to make this year’s tournament a reality. We wish everyone the very best of luck.”
Basketball England CEO Stewart Kellett added:
“The Four Nations tournaments provide a great opportunity for the home nations associations and Ireland to work together to as friends, collaborators and competitors to provide great experiences for our young players to showcase their skills, challenge themselves and each other and enjoy experiences in new environments.
“The events will deliver exciting and rewarding basketball for the players and coaches, as well as, from a Great Britain perspective, forming part of the pathway to the U16 and U18 teams competing at this summer’s FIBA European Youth Championships, another area where there is positive collaboration between the HCAs of England, Scotland and Wales. Good look to all involved and we look forward to seeing you all in Cardiff, Dublin and Dundee.”