A NATIONAL league women’s basketball programme is being launched, in partnership with the University of Worcester and Worcester Wolves, to attempt to mirror the success of the men’s squad.

The university’s men’s team were crowned British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) champions for the seventh time in nine years and the university is also the home to British Basketball League (BBL) side Worcester Wolves and their successful scholarship programme.

Now the two are introducing a women’s programme and will be considering applications from female players for scholarships and bursaries for those hoping to study and play.

Wolves will also be hoping to attract the best players in the region who may not necessarily want to study but be part of the programme, which will be based at the university’s new Worcester Arena.

The Arena has already been hailed as one of the finest basketball facilities in the country and the three courts add to the existing two that exist in the University’s St John’s Campus sports centre.

Head of the university’s institute of sport and exercise, Mick Donovan, who is also the co-founder of the Wolves, said: “We have created a great model that enables talented athletes to combine study with fulfilling their potential and playing ambitions.

“Significantly, the student athletes will also have the opportunity to develop coaching qualifications and get paid for working with youngsters in schools that will hopefully inspire the next generation of female players.”

Wolves director of basketball Paul James added: “We have the foundations and support mechanisms to develop an excellent female programme here in Worcester that we anticipate will be on a par with the men’s within the next three years.”

Any interested players should contact James, who is also the university’s director of basketball, by email on p.james@worc.ac.uk or sportsoffice@worc.ac.uk