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

The England U16 boys’ team will be contesting a three-match series against the Belgium U16s at Medway’s centre of sporting excellence between Friday, 16 July and Sunday, 18 July.

The series will also feature free community coaching and tournaments and open spectator admission to allow the people of Medway to see the international basketball stars of the future in action.

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 begins follows at 5pm on Friday in the new sports hall at Medway Park, when there will be the obligatory half-time free-throw challenges and other spectator entertainment laid on to complete the basketball experience.

On Saturday, Medway Park Crusaders are organising a community invitational tournament from 3.30pm-6.30pm. The internationals return to the court for the second match of the series at 7.30pm, when again there will be free crowd entertainment laid on throughout the event.

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 test match at 2pm.

England U16 Boys’ Head Coach Simon Fisher said: “It is with a sense of pride that I will be bringing this year’s England U16 team to Medway for the three-game international series.

“Over the last couple of years, Belgium and ourselves have enjoyed a positive relationship with internationals between the two teams in preparation for the European Championships.

“It is with delight that we can welcome them to England to experience the beautiful hospitality afforded by the Medway Park Crusaders Club.”

There is no fee for watching the matches so non-centre members only need pay the £1.50 centre admission charge.

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.

For more information about Medway Park (formerly the Black Lion Leisure Centre) visit www.medwaypark.com.