EAST Kent Crusaders’ youth teams celebrated a year that has seen more than 100 new members registering.

Many young basketball players at the club have made significant improvements to their game under the supervision of the Crusaders’ coaching staff.

Ryan Richards, who was named most valuable player of the under-14s, coached by Ross Kelk, is one such player.

Richards, 14, from Sittingbourne is a 6ft 4in forward who has recently made the England team preparing for the 2006 European championships.

Richards is also a member of the South East regional team and was named to the all-star team at the national championships for regional teams. He also travelled to Estonia with the England team last December.

The under-14s completed their first season in the National League with six wins and six defeats.

Jesse Sazant, the club head coach, said: "I’m really pleased to see the juniors competing at an elite level."

Zach Maasbach was named MVP of the under-16s who, coached by Matt Kelk, are the Kent Central Venue League champions for the second year running.

Maasbach also became a useful member of the men’s squad of the course of the last season.

Kyle Vincett and Alex Hajilou are the most valuable players of the under -11s and 12s respectively, both coached by Yongho Son.

Crusaders also announced that the community sports coach in Thanet, Nick Reed, and Crusaders’ defensive player of the year, Paul Jessop, will be taking over as head coaches for the junior programme for next season.

Next year the club will be expanding to the under-16 national league in addition to the under-14s. The Canterbury-based club will also be running local teams for six to 16-year-olds and an under-17 girls’ team.