‘Battle in the Capital’ to Bring Top Juniors Teams to London Over Xmas

London will be privy to some top-flight junior basketball over the Christmas break following the announcement of the ‘Battle in the Capital’ international basketball tournament taking place at UEL SportsDock from 28-29 December.

Organised by BTM Basketball, the event will feature high-level under-14 boys from Spain, Europe and the UK, headlined by FC Barcelona and Apollo Amsterdam.

The tournament will also feature an under-14 girls and under-16 boys division made up of UK-based teams, and will run over two days with teams competing in pool play, playoffs and championship game action.

BTM Basketball Director Tom Ward, who also stars for Worthing Thunder’s NBL D1 team, said: “There has been a lot of interest from club teams across Europe that are keen to visit and compete in one of the world’s most incredible cities.

“We feel this will provide English teams with a fantastic opportunity to test themselves against quality foreign opposition. We hope to grow this tournament in coming years and establish it as the premier UK international club tournament, and one of the most attractive in Europe.”

The tournament gives UK teams, players and coaches the opportunity to network and build relationships with other European players and coaches. Foreign teams will be able to compete against England’s best and will enjoy a London excursion day and opportunities to shop and dine at Westfields Stratford shopping mall.

The boys under-14 team line up is made up of FC Barcelona, Apollo Amsterdam, Manchester Magic, Richmond Knights, London Youngblood Lions, Baltic Stars, Sussex Storm and Brentwood Fire. They will compete on both days.

The boys under-16 teams competing on the Thursday are Leicester Riders, Richmond Knights, Chelmsford Lions, Oaklands Wolves, Sussex Storm and a London select team.

And on the Friday the girls under-14 tournament will feature Sevenoaks Suns, Hounslow Hawks, Oaklands Wolves, Brentwood Fire and an East London select team.

Entrance is free for spectators, see the groups and full schedule.

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