The FIMBA GB +50s men’s teams completed their penultimate training weekend ahead of Athens with a productive and competitive camp in Weston-super-Mare, marking the second consecutive year the programme has returned to the venue.
The weekend provided an important opportunity for both preparation and player development, while also allowing the squads to test themselves across four challenging fixtures against strong opposition.
For the first time, FIMBA GB Men will enter two teams into the Athens tournament — Team Blue and Team Red — creating an exciting milestone for the programme and a valuable experience for all involved.
The weekend began with an intensive three-hour practice session on Saturday morning, with players focusing on reinforcing the systems, structure, and concepts that have been implemented throughout the preparation phase ahead of the afternoon fixtures.
Saturday’s games saw both GB sides face a talented Bristol All-Stars team made up of players from the British Championship League, Senior National League, and local league competition. Competing against significantly younger opposition, both teams battled hard in highly physical contests. Although the results did not fall in GB’s favour, the games provided an excellent benchmark and highlighted the progress made by the squads over recent months. The intensity and quality of the opposition offered exactly the type of challenge required at this stage of preparation.
Off the court, the evening allowed players and staff the chance to strengthen team chemistry further, with the squads enjoying a meal together at a local Greek restaurant before returning their focus to Day 2.
Sunday opened with a focused walkthrough session, where coaches addressed key learning points and adjustments identified from the previous day’s performances. The teams then welcomed Cardiff City Basketball for two further fixtures against sides featuring a mix of National League and Welsh League talent.
The lessons from Saturday were evident throughout Sunday’s games, with both GB teams delivering highly competitive performances in closely fought contests. One fixture even concluded with a buzzer-beating finish, adding further intensity and excitement to the weekend. While results again narrowly went against GB, the teams benefited greatly from experiencing and working through late-game situations that could prove crucial in Athens.
Head Coach Danny James reflected positively on the weekend’s work:
“The Weston weekend has provided a great experience as we head towards Athens. Not only was it a chance for the two teams to bond further both on and off the court, but it was also a great opportunity to test the teams’ learning against some very tough opposition.
We arranged games that we knew would really challenge our players. Playing against younger and experienced opponents gave our teams the chance to be tested outside their comfort zones. Running with younger players and competing in very physical and intense situations gave us exactly what we needed.
Adam and I were able to evaluate our progress to date, make some adjustments over the weekend, and test different line-ups and rotations for Athens. It really was a very positive weekend.
With just one training session left in early June before Athens, the teams demonstrated just how far they have come over the past year.”
