ABINGDON Eagles are celebrating after being named the south region community club of the year by Basketball England.

After completing only their second season, Abingdon are now waiting to hear if they are one of three regional winners put forward for the national accolade next month.

Chairman Jason Crowther felt it showed just how much progress the club have made in a short space of time.

“It is a huge achievement for us to be honoured,” he said.

“It is testament to all our volunteers from our coaches, both senior and junior, who give up so much time to encourage people of all ages and genders to play the best basketball they can.”

Based at Abingdon & Witney College, the club runs teams from under eights through to a senior masters team.

Head coach Steve Claringbould added: “We couldn’t have achieved all we have without the generous support of Sport England, especially when we first started.

“Once we proved how our club was benefitting the local community, we also received generous grants from Abingdon Town Council, Local Councillor Emily Smith and the Co-Op Midshires to help fund essential equipment to ensure we can compete at all levels.”

When the new season starts in September, Eagles will include an under 18 girls side in the National Conference for the first time.