Spartan’s European success

10:07am Thursday 22nd May 2008

BASKETBALL

WALTHAM Forest Spartans Basketball Club lifted a European championship when they won the recent U18 Dordogne International Challenge tournament held in Meyssac, central France.

WF Spartans won all six of their games, including beating fellow east Londoners, Newham All Star Sports Academy.

The final, against local team Union Corréze, was a tight affair, remaining close for most of the match until Spartans pulled away to take a 15 point lead with the final finishing 60-45.

Spartans are part of the Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme (LOCSP), comprising of players from across the six London boroughs of Waltham Forest, Newham, Hackney, Redbridge, Barking & Dagenham and Tower Hamlets.

LOCSP Senior Development Officer Paul McKenzie, who organised and managed the trip, said: "We entered the tournament more with our players' development in mind than winning but, of course, we are really happy to walk away with the title and our players really stepped up to the challenge.

"Half of the players in our squad are from our U16 team for next year, so we used a 'five men off, five men on' rotation for most of tournament."

WF Spartans Coach Mike Speranza said: "This has been a beautiful experience and we have a few of our players trying out this summer for High Schools scholarships in America.

"This victory has definitely boosted their confidence and they can't wait for the next challenge."

For more information on WF Spartans or Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme, please contact Paul McKenzie on 020 8556 5973 or email enquiries@ locsp.org, alternatively visit www.wfs-spartans.co.uk

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