Basketball Wales Hosts GB Youth Combine, Strengthening Partnership with British Basketball
Basketball Wales is extremely proud to have hosted this year’s GB Youth Combine event at Cardiff Metropolitan University, marking an important milestone in the ongoing collaboration with British Basketball and the other home country associations.
The two-day event, held on January 2nd and 3rd, brought together some of the finest young basketball talent across the UK. The level of skill and determination on display was truly inspiring, providing coaches with a strong pool of athletes to work with as they prepare for the upcoming FIBA Youth Championships this summer. The combine served as a vital first step in the selection process for Great Britain’s youth teams, with players showcasing their potential to GB coaches.
Seven talented Welsh players were among the participants who represented Wales at the combine: Seren Richards, Chloe Hall, Chloe Collett, Charlie Bartlett, Onanefe Atufe, Leo Regan, and Luca Shellard. Their presence on the court highlighted the strength of Welsh basketball and the growing pool of talent in Wales.
The event was made possible through the support of several key partners, including Cardiff Met University, whose basketball facilities rank among the best in the UK. The feedback from players, coaches, and British Basketball staff was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the exceptional environment created during the two-day camp.
The GB Youth Combine not only provided a platform for the players to showcase their skills but also served as a crucial part of the selection process for the FIBA Youth EuroBasket 2025.
With GB’s U16 Women’s team now competing in Division A next summer after their promotion earlier this year, the upcoming competition will be fiercely contested. The remaining GB youth teams (U16, U18, and U20) will participate in Division B.
Basketball Wales remains committed to providing opportunities that foster the growth of Welsh athletes, and the success of this event paves the way for future collaborations and performance-focused events. The organisation looks forward to facilitating more events like the GB Youth Combine in the future, offering Welsh players and coaches the chance to gain exposure and experience at the highest levels of basketball.
