GB Youth teams will not enter summer events because of COVID-19 risk

The Great Britain youth teams will not take part in revised FIBA competition this summer because of COVID-19 considerations.

FIBA has passed a resolution to suspend the 2021 European Youth Championships, replacing them with smaller European Youth Challenger events.

The British Basketball Federation, along with its members, Basketball England, Basketball Scotland and Basketball Wales, have considered the information provided by FIBA relating to the new format.

It has been agreed the GB Youth Teams (male and female at U16, U18 and U20) will not take part in the Challenger events because of the ongoing COVID-19 situation in the UK and across Europe and the risks involved to players and staff and their families.

The decision has been based on:

• Athlete and staff welfare being paramount
• The ongoing medical challenges associated with COVID-19 and the pandemic
• Government advice and restrictions on travel
• Logistical and financial challenges surrounding preparation and competition

BBF chair Toni Minichiello said: “It is a disappointing and difficult situation, but we have to put the health and safety of our young players, their coaches and support staff, and their families first and, along with our Home Country members, feel the risks associated with large groups travelling to locations across the continent are too high.”