Following a highly successful summer series in 2024 against Wales at U15 and U17 levels, Team NI is delighted to announce the upcoming Celtic Invitational, set to take place over two weekends in July and August. The event will see the return of Wales for another competitive showdown, with the addition of Basketball Ireland’s Academy U17s to the mix.
The action will tip off on July 18th and 19th, as Team NI U15 Boys and Girls face off once again against their Welsh counterparts. This will be followed by an equally exciting second weekend on August 2nd and 3rd, featuring the Team NI U17 Boys and Girls, alongside the Basketball Ireland Academy U17s, adding another layer of high-level competition to the tournament.
This event marks another significant step in the development of youth basketball in Northern Ireland, providing young athletes with invaluable international experience. It also reinforces the growing relationship between Team NI and Wales, building on the competitive and developmental opportunities fostered during the summer series.
Marc Mulholland, BNI Vice Chair and Team NI Lead said, “Our partnership with Basketball Wales is crucial for the ongoing development of Team NI. While Basketball Wales benefits from significant investment, including a dedicated performance budget, we continue to operate with far more limited resources. Despite this disparity, our matchups remain fiercely competitive, showcasing the resilience and talent within our pathway. Hosting these events is vital, as they provide invaluable high-level competition that nurtures the growth of our young athletes and helps shape the future of basketball in Northern Ireland and our drive for competition at Commonwealth Games level.”
Andy Gill, Performance Pathway Coordinator commented, “The summer series of competitive games v Wales is vital to accelerate the development of our under-age athletes. As Marc has stated ,we continue to achieve great things despite the constraints of the resources we work under. This is testament to the commitment and endaevor of our young players. We will also welcome Wales senior 3 X 3 squads in late May and the strong bond between the nations is a real benefit for us all”.
Team NI is eager to welcome Wales and Basketball Ireland to what promises to be an exciting and competitive event. With top-tier talent on display and a continued focus on player development, the Celtic Invitational is set to be a key highlight in the basketball calendar.
For more information on schedules, venues, and ticketing, stay tuned to Basketball NI’s official channels.
