University College Worcester is fast becoming a British centre of basketball excellence with a string of firsts.

It has launched the first British scholarship in basketball aimed at nurturing new talent and Sports Science degree students have begun a project to monitor every aspect of the England junior men's squad.

The moves coincide with Worcester becoming the new home of the England junior men's squad as they prepare for next year's European championships.

Mick Donovan, senior lecturer in PE and Sports Studies, and coach of Worcester Wolves, said the scholarships will be based on academic qualifications.

"It is the first in the country and we are very proud to offer it," he said. "It means once students have been offered places to study for an HND or degree, they can have a trial, and if they're good enough for the programme, then Worcester Wolves will help fund the degree."

Mr Donovan described the data analysis programme, set to run indefinitely, as "very exciting".

Sports Studies and Science students, who already officiate at Wolves matches, film England players to examine aspects of their games like set plays, free throw and rebound success, fatigue, relaxation, and psychology.

The information will be passed on to England coach Rick Wooldridge, who now trains the junior men's squad.

The team includes 16-year-old Malvern sixth former and guard Matt Wormley and meets once a month at the Henwick Road college.

"I don't think anyone has ever done any research like this before in this country because basketball has traditionally suffered from under-development," said Mr Donovan.

"This is a fantastic link into the Sports Science degree."

* Tonight, at UCW, the England Junior Men's squad will be in action against Solent, with a 5pm tip-off, before the Wolves take on Nottingham, at 7pm.