England U16 Squad Named for Inaugural Leicester Riders Junior Invitational

England’s Under 16 Men will compete in the inaugural Leicester Riders Junior Invitational Tournament alongside Wales U18, Ireland U16 and Charnwood’s EABL squad later this month.

Alan Keane’s side had their first training camp in December and the squad now goes full swing with its preparations for the upcoming European Championships this summer with the tournament taking place from 15-17 February at the new Leicester Community Sports Arena – home of the Leicester Riders.

Fourteen players have been selected by Keane, and the returning head coach is looking forward to getting a closer look at the group in competitive play.

“These games will be an important part of the process as we aim to gain a better understanding of what we are capable of perusing and the style of game we can play,” he said.

“Every moment together is a valuable learning opportunity for all and the tournament in Leicester will provide the perfect environment to grow together as a unit and develop as a team. We are grateful to the organisers and excited about performing on home soil in a fantastic new facility.”

Daniel Ogoro will be the only returner to the squad from last summer’s U16 European Championship team, while the talented Jacob Round will miss out on the tournament while still recovering from an ankle injury and 2001 born Kareem Queeley remains in Spain with Real Madrid, who he signed with at the beginning of the season.

A number of players from last year’s Under-15 development squad have made the step up.

England’s U16 Squad

Jaxon Wroe – Manchester Magic
Ross Luckman – Chelmsford Lions
Pierce Maslen – Barking Abbey
Josh Ogundele – Barking Abbey
Daniel Ogoro – Brentwood Fire
Mate Okros – Leeds Force
Andre Lavinier – Eastside Eagles
Robert Banks – Thames Valley Cavaliers
Arinze Emeka-Anyakwo – Cheshire Wire
Charlie Ratliff – Ipswich
Theo Hughes – Brentwood Fire
David Obediah – Reading Rockets
Hosana Kitenge – Worthing Thunder
Richard Amaefule – Reading Rockets

Staff:

Alan Keane – Head Coach
Guy Coles – Assistant Coach
Pete Daines – Team Manager
Mark Dayson – Physio
Peter Berenyi – Performance Analyst
Troy Culley – Apprentice Coach
Patrick Waplington – Strength & Conditioning Coach

Leicester Riders Managing Director Russell Levenston is pleased to see International teams take the court in Leicester.

“The Riders organisation is excited to welcome England, Ireland and Wales to the Leicester Sports Arena for the Riders Junior Invitational.

“National team activity is something we hoped would be possible on completion of the facility and it is great that we have been able to facilitate the three team joining Charnwood College in action so soon after opening the arena.”

The schedule for the tournament puts England U16 and Ireland U16 in action on all three days of the competition. Charnwood will feature three England national team players, with Andre Arissol (former U18), and Henri Langton and Romario Spence who were both named on the England U18s’ initial squad list in September.

Tournament schedule

Monday 15th February
4pm – Ireland U16 vs Charnwood College
6pm – Wales U18 vs England U16

Tuesday 16th February
4pm – Charnwood College vs England U16
6pm – Wales U18 vs Ireland U16

Wednesday 17th February
2pm – England U16 vs Ireland U16

Entrance is free for spectators.