Basketball Ireland plans to host its annual National Camps at Gormanston Park this summer, on August 8^th-13^th and August 15^th-20th, subject to the latest Covid-19 regulations.

Camp Director Matthew Hall said: “The 2020 National Camps, unfortunately, had to be cancelled despite being fully subscribed due to the Covid-19 regulations and this was the first time the camp hasn’t run since 1973. Everyone is missing basketball at present as we focus on keeping each other safe but we hope that the national camp will be able to go ahead as previous years and mark a return to our sport for all young players looking to improve their game and have a fantastic experience."

Camp registration will not open until we have more information from the Government, with regards to the reopening of the country and sport. A high number of players that had booked for last year's camps moved their deposits to the 2021 camps, so places are expected to fill up fast. Advanced warning of registration opening will be given on the Basketball Ireland website and social media pages.

In Case You Missed It: Basketball Ireland announced NUI Galway and Ulster University as the first Centres of Excellence this week. Check out the videos below that were captured in Galway and Belfast.

We heard from Ireland underage internationals Aine McDonagh (NUIG Mystics) and Malik Thiam (Titans), NUIG Mystics head coach Paul O'Brien, Mike Heskin, Director of Sport and Physical Activity, NUI Galway and Mike Murray, Director of Basketball, NUI Galway and Basketball Ireland Development Officer.

We heard from Ireland internationals Conor Quinn (Belfast Star) and Alex Mulligan (Ulster University), former Ulster University player Luke Marshall, Prof. Deirdre Brennan, Ulster University senior academic and coach, Patrick O'Neill Ulster University/Basketball Ireland Development Officer and Dr. Nigel Dobson, Head of Sports Services, Ulster University.