The boys and girls Under-16 Division C European Championships will be played at the Ta’ Qali Pavilion between June 30 and July 5.

The Malta Basketball Association (MBA) said in a statement that they had been engaged in lengthy discussions with the European governing body before receiving the go-ahead to host the two tournaments.

“These leagues are organised by the International Federation of European Basketball (FIBA Europe) and this year’s competition will be staged in Malta,” the MBA, this year celebrating its 50th anniversary, said.

“We are optimistic that our teams will achieve positive results. For that matter, the MBA’s slogan for our national teams is ‘Two teams, one dream’.”

The girls’ team will be under the helm of Sandro Farrugia.

His squad is made up of Sophie Abela, Danielle Agius, Nicole Agius, Raisa Calleja, Kirsty Caruana, Lara Caruana Montaldo, Kristy Galea, Emma Magrin, Kimberly Pirotta, Marie Elise Pollacco, Laura Vella and Noelene Vella.

Italian Gabriele Alessi is the boys’ team coach.

His selection includes: Paul Attard, Benoit Bartolo, Isaac Bonett, Kurt Camilleri, Kurt Cassar, Alec Felice Pace, Matthew Gouder, Thomas Grech, Fran-cesco Mifsud Bonnici, Luca Stefanovic, Julian Wait and Reuben Xuereb.

The other nations in the championships will be Gibraltar, Wales, Andorra, San Marino and Scotland.

Programme
Girls: June 30 – 16.30 Malta vs Gibraltar. July 1 – 18.15 Wales vs Malta. July 4 – 16.00 Malta vs Andorra. July 5 – 18.15 Scotland vs Malta.
Boys: June 30 – 18.45 Andorra vs Malta. July 2 – 16.00 Malta vs Wales. July 4 – 18.15 San Marino vs Malta. July 5 – 16.00 Malta vs Gibraltar.