WORCESTER Wolves are launching a national league under 18s team.

Following the must successful season in Wolves' history, they are pushing ahead with a youth policy plan.

The aim is to develop young local players who can eventually move up to the senior sides that play in English League Division One and Three.

Wolves have joined forces with Redditch and the Pacers, along with the existing Worcester Sixth Form College link-up.

Pacers head coach Larry Kinneman will be on board along with Redditch's Chris Lowe and Steve Bessent.

Kinneman said: "The Pacers Basketball Club is excited about the future of basketball.

"We see the merger with Redditch Basketball Club to form an under 18 Worcester Wolves national team as a win-win arrangement.

"By joining together, we believe that we can provide the kind of resources in coaching, players, equipment and facilities necessary to be competitive in the national league."

Wolves director of basketball Mick Donovan said: "The team has been created to give promising young players the opportunity to compete at the highest level while representing Wolves and their own county on the national stage.

"We are delighted to be working with two of the most effective junior programmes in the region."

Redditch coach Steve Bessent said: "Redditch Basketball Club are delighted to strengthen their links with Worcester Wolves.

"The formation of the under 18 national league team is the first step in a development programme which will benefit all players in the county of Worcestershire and will give the youngsters a chance to progress into the main Wolves teams. Both players and coaches at Redditch are excited about the new venture with Pacers and Worcester."

There is an open invitation to anyone who believes they can play a part in this exciting initiative.

Wolves will be hosting two try-outs at the University of Worcester on Saturday from 1pm until 4pm and Saturday, May 20, from 2pm until 5pm.

Any 16 to 18-year-olds interested can call Kineman on 01905-21393 or Donovan on 01905-855442 or just turn up on the day.