BASKETBALL: The current Winchester & District coach of the year, Eddie Owusu, has improved his credentials by having players under his charge selected for the England youth squad.

Owusu was put in temporary charge of the South England under-17 squad for the annual national tournament in Nottingham.

He selected a squad of 13 to represent the region at the nationals, four of whom were selected for the England under-17. Three more were selected for the under-18 squad – including Chris Amedu, who attends Peter Symonds College.

Owusu, who coaches at Winchester City Basketball Club, had success lower down the age groups with Jack Wiseman making it through to the last 16 of the England under-12 select squad that will represent the nation in Gothenburg, Sweden.

“There is so much basketball talent in this area. I’m just trying to create avenues for that talent to be recognised,” said Owusu.

He added: “These successes happen despite basketball’s lack of funding and Winchester’s desperate lack of high quality facilities.

“I could guarantee even more England internationals from Winchester, if only we could get regular access to high quality facilities.

“This is why I’m fully behind the Winchester Fit For the Future and 2012 hours campaigns, to take advantage of the legacy of the 2012 Olympics and build a Sports Park at Bar End.”