Medway Park is preparing to host its first international basketball event.

The England Under-16 boys’ team will be contesting a three-match series against the Belgium Under-16s at Medway’s centre of sporting excellence between Friday and Sunday.

The series will also feature free community coaching and tournaments and open spectator admission.

Medway Council’s Portfolio holder for Community Services Cllr Howard Doe said: "Medway is proud to be hosting this second international sporting event of the year at Medway Park.

"Basketball is one of the sports at the heart of the Medway Park development and I’m sure the players and spectators will enjoy a great weekend of competition."

The series begins on Friday with training sessions and a coaching clinic from 2pm-4pm, when aspiring local players will get a chance to rub shoulders with the international players and members of Medway’s own national league basketball team Medway Park Crusaders.

The first of the test matches follows at 5pm on Friday in the new sports hall at Medway Park, when there will also be half-time free-throw challenges and other spectator entertainment.

On Saturday, Medway Park Crusaders are organising a community tournament from 3.30pm-6.30pm. The internationals return to the court for the second match of the series at 7.30pm.

The teams’ final day at Medway Park is on Sunday, when they will take part in final training sessions ahead of the third and final match at 2pm.

There is no fee for watching the matches so non-centre members only need to pay the centre admission charges, £1.50 adults and £1.10 children and seniors. Anyone who participates in any of the community and schools sessions will get free admission to the centre and matches.

To reserve a place in the Friday coaching clinic, contact Medway Council’s Sports Development Team on 01634 334352 or email sportsdevteam@medway.gov.uk.

For more information about Medway Park Crusaders visit www.medwayparkcrusaders.co.uk.