Malta’s young girls are looking forward to a successful tournament next week as the MBA stages the Under 18 Women’s European Championship Division C at Ta’ Qali.

The local girls are coached by Salvo Coppa, son of the more renowned Prof. Coppa who is in charge of the women’s seniors team.

The tournament starts on Tuesday and runs until Saturday 1 September.

Malta, Luxembourg, Andorra, Gibraltar and Monaco are taking part in the tournament.

The MBA president said the target of the association was to see their women’s and men’s teams achieve promotion from the European Division C. He added: "We are working towards that aim. This young girls’ team forms part of a quadrennial which started last year. We hope they will soon find their place in the seniors’ side, especially for the forthcoming Small Nations Games in 2009 in Cyprus."

He thanked Michael Attard of Peugeot Ltd for the sponsorship which is now in its third year and appealed to the local basketball enthusiasts to attend the matches at Ta’ Qali next week and give their full backing to the local girls.

The full Malta squad is the following:

Emma Moore (Luxol), Samantha Tabone, (Sliema), Christina Grima (Loyola), Loeneke Calleja (Sliema), Leanne Sciberras (Sliema), Jean Doughty (Loyola), Justine Busuttil (Depiro), Rebecca Naudi (Luxol), Steffi Demartino (Luxol), Dan McKeon (Sliema), Kristie Tonna (Hibs), Abigail Muscat (Depiro).

Rebecca Naudi, Steffi Demartino and Kristie Tonna will be making their baptism of fire in the international field as it will be their first experience.

Their coach is Salvo Coppa and he is assisted by Sandro Farrugia.

Both coaches said they were hopeful that their youngsters will give their one hundred per cent. "We would be glad if they were to win, but we do not want to put pressure on them. They have trained very hard since June and we are sure they will be giving their all in this event," said Coppa.

Tuesday 28 August

Ta’ Qali: 4.45pm Luxembourg-Gibraltar; 6.30pm, Opening Ceremony; 7pm Andorra-Malta

Wednesday 29 August

Ta’ Qali: 4.45pm Gilbraltar-Andorra; 7pm Monaco-Luxembourg

Thursday 30 August

Ta’ Qali: 4.45pm Andorra-Monaco; 7pm Malta-Gibraltar

Friday 31 August

Ta’ Qali: 4.45pm Luxembourg-Andorra; 7pm Monaco-Malta

Saturday 1 September

Ta’ Qali 4.45pm Gibraltar-Monaco; 7pm Malta-Luxembourg; 8.45pm Closing Ceremony