The 10 FIMBA GB Masters teams have returned from their first ever World Championships in Ticino, Switzerland and although not medalling, there were some impressive individual and outstanding team performances allowing the teams to gain huge insight to be ready for the next World Championships in Brazil 2027.
Despite the searing temperatures in the gyms the teams coped well and were the wrong side of some very close games, that unfortunately put most teams into the bottom half of their respective draws. Huge congratulations to the 35W, 40W, 55W and 70M who all made it through to the Round of 16 and but for strange decision to put the Top ranked USA team against the 4th ranked GB team in the Quarter Finals, the +70 Men would no doubt have added to their medal tally, as it was they finished a respectable 5th. Also congratulations to the GB Maxibasketball programme finishing 3rd (+35M) and 4th (+35W), the GB Wolfpack also picking up Bronze (+40M) and all the referees from the UK who took part in the tournament.
This was the first time FIMBA GB have entered the World Championships and it was a learning curve for most as the South American sides played a very different style of basketball to what the players were used to, which caught some off guard. Whilst winning medals is the aim of all FIMBA GB teams, tournaments such as this offer so much more as lifelong friendships are made with your teammates, other GB athletes and even players from other countries – the +40W cheering on the +70 Japan vs Costa Rica game, or the coaches being given advice from a 92 year old American “playing down” in the +85 age group prove that the game truly does never stop.
Despite not winning medals, all of FIMBA GB return as winners because we are a family. A testament to the effort, sacrifice and passion; the tears, injuries and comebacks; the elation of taking to the court representing your country, waving the Union Jack at the opening ceremony and cheering on the other age groups; the coaches meetings, hours of planning, late night calls all come together in 10 short days of intensity and excitement.
These opportunities and experiences don’t come around very often and they change you as a person because you come home with a heart and soul full of memories that will last a lifetime and your families and friends that have supported you throughout the journey are immensely proud of what you’ve achieved.
To the Players, Coaches, Team Managers, Physiotherapist and Support Staff, we say thank you. Thank you for leaving everything out on the court and for supporting the other teams, celebrating the victories together and picking them up after close losses. To the families and friends who have supported the sacrifices, giving up family time and holidays to support their partners in achieving their dreams, another huge thank you. To the sponsors and partners that have helped fund the journey, your support keeps us playing, and finally to the squad members who could not make the tournament due to work commitments, finances or injuries but were still there to offer support, still watching the live stats and screaming at their phones – you are what makes the FIMBA GB Family so special.
So, as the curtain closes on another international tournament year, we take a short breath and start again ready for the European Championships in Athens 2026. Everyone is welcome to try out as a player or be involved as part of our support team, to register your interest please complete the form by clicking here and we will be in touch with details of the closest camp to you. We look forward to welcoming you to the family and adding to our 18 International medals.
Full Results
+35W – 8th (Rebecca Brindley,8th-25.7ppg)
+40W – 13th
+50W – 18th
+55W – 9th (Gail Hopkins,10th-17ppg)
+60W 21st
+50M – 21st
+55M – 39th
+60M – 36th
+65M – 18th
+70M – 5th (Tom Campbell, 5th-16.4ppg)
