Team NI coaches Michael McCabe and Marc Mulholland have announced their summer training squad that will begin preparations in late June for their games in August v Wales and Ireland under 17 Irish Academies. Eight of the squad played for the under 15 in their successful series in 2024 v Wales. Four players represented the U17 in 2024 also against Wales. The tournament running from the 1st to 3rd August in Newforge will be a great opportunity for our young players to challenge themselves against the best Ireland under 17 players currently not in the under 18 national team and an always fiercely competitive Welsh under 17 squad.
Andy Gill, BNI Performance Pathway Coordinator commented, “These players have been together since Christmas and taken part in a number of practice sessions. With 12 players involved last year I am sure the continuity will show in their understanding of the Team NI style of play and ability to put on the floor the key teachings of coaches McCabe and Mulholland. We look forward to the competition in August.”
Joint Head Coach, Michael McCabe said, “I am pleased to announce our extended summer squad, from which 12 players will be selected to face Wales and Ireland this summer. I would like to thank all the players and parents for their continued commitment to the programme so far. The players’ attitude, work ethic, and willingness to improve have been outstanding and truly reflect the values we want to promote. I’m looking forward to continuing our training over the summer as we prepare for what will no doubt be a tough but exciting challenge come August.”
Marc Mulholland, Joint Head Coach and Basketball NI Vice Chair said, “This is an exciting time for the young players within our BNI Pathway as we announce the U17 Men’s Squad for the 2025 Summer Celtic Invitational.
For many of these talented young men, this marks their second and third years of our revitalisation of Team NI and of international summer games, having represented Team NI at the U15 and U17 in their development. Their continued progress of all players in our squad is a testament to their hard work and dedication.
We are grateful to the parents and guardians whose support ensures these boys have access to training and opportunities like this.
This selection is not just a recognition of talent but another significant step on these young athletes journeys toward the 2030 Commonwealth Games, and we are proud to support these young athletes as they strive for success. Without the backing of Sport NI and the efforts of our Board, staff and coaches, these opportunities would not exist.”
Team List:
| Jaxon | Adams-Holder | Belfast Star |
| Liam | Carson | Phoenix |
| Finn | Dolliver | Queens |
| Jack | Gallagher | N.A.B.A Lanzarote |
| Eoin | Holman | Phoenix |
| Oisin | Holman | Phoenix |
| Kyran | Houlahan | Newry Fliers |
| Pijus | Januskevicius | BC Wolves |
| Eoghan | Loughran | Newry Fliers |
| Dylan | Maxwell | Belfast Star |
| Keelan | McEntee | Newry Fliers |
| Alex | McVicar | Blackwater Steelers |
| Paddy | Mulligan | St. Declans |
| Isaac | O Neill | Leterkenny Blaze |
| Jude | O’Carroll | Belfast Star |
| Layden | O’Neill | Belfast Star |
| Samuel | Olatunbosun | Hazelwood Hawks |
| Kacper | Orzel | BC Wolves |
| Rory | Sherry | Phoenix |
| Matthew | Smith | Belfast Star |
| Raimondas | Terlickis | BC Wolves |
| Cormac | Trainor | UU Tigers |