THE University of Worcester welcomed plenty of youngsters to an international camp inspiring budding basketball players from the United Kingdom and Spain.

Eighty took part in the second University of Worcester/Valencia Basket residential camp, topping the 60 that came to last year’s inaugural event.

The annual week-long camp brings coaches from Worcester, both from the university and their basketball team Worcester Wolves, and Valencia Basket together. 

It is a result of the university’s partnership agreement with the club who were crowned Spanish ACB champions in May.

The Spanish youngsters who attended also benefitted from English language classes alongside the chance to improve their basketball skills.

The university have also offered student exchanges with the Spanish club and placements for students studying on business, sport business and sports therapy courses.

Juanjo Rojo, director of junior development at Valencia, said: “Once again we have received a warm welcome from our friends in Worcester.

"We are very happy with the venue, general facilities and the people at Worcester and look forward to extending our partnership in the future.”

Mick Donovan, head of the university's institute of sport and exercise science, said: “We are delighted to be working with Valencia in so many ways and continue to be impressed by their vision and professionalism. 

“We believe we are breaking new ground with a residential basketball camp that combines English language lessons with coaching provided by clubs from two different countries working together. 

"This also fits with our ethos of sport and education working alongside each other. 

"The camp’s popularity is increasing and we hope it continues to grow to meet that demand.”