The GB Masters +70 Men’s programme held a successful joint training camp on 4th and 5th October, bringing together players from the GB +70 Men’s team and the England +70 Men’s squad.
The camp provided an excellent opportunity for both groups of players to train together, develop their understanding on court and continue building the strength and depth of Masters basketball at +70 level.
For the England players, the weekend also formed an important part of the selection process for the England +70 Men’s squad competing in the Tri-Nations +70 Men’s tournament in Scotland at the end of November. The sessions provided the coaching staff with an opportunity to assess players in a competitive training environment ahead of finalising the squad.
A total of 24 players attended across the weekend, with at least a further four players unable to attend due to the dates. The numbers are particularly encouraging when compared with the position just three years ago, when the GB +70 squad consisted of around 15 players.
The continued growth in participation demonstrates the increasing strength and interest in Masters basketball at the higher age groups. It also provides a strong foundation for the future development of the programme.
There was a particularly positive atmosphere throughout the weekend, with experienced players working alongside newer members of the squad. It is hoped that some of the players who joined the England group will also become involved with the GB Masters +70 programme and attend future training sessions.
Looking Ahead
The growth in numbers means that the GB Masters programme can now begin to consider the possibility of expanding its representation at the older age groups.
With 24 players attending this camp, plus several others currently unavailable, the programme will assess whether there is sufficient strength and depth to potentially field both a GB Masters +70 Men’s team and a +75 Men’s team during the summer of 2027.
This would represent a significant development for the GB Masters programme and reflects the continued growth of Masters basketball in Great Britain.
The immediate focus remains on supporting the England +70 squad ahead of the Tri-Nations tournament in Scotland, while continuing to develop the GB +70 programme and encouraging players to remain involved in future training opportunities.
The weekend was another clear indication that age is no barrier to competitive basketball and that the appetite for Masters basketball continues to grow.
