YORK Eagles Junior Basketball Club and York Vikings Basketball Club are merging in a bid to form the city's first National League side.

The Eagles are based at York College and currently run junior teams from under-11s to under-18s.

They recently won the under-14 NE National League Championship.

The York Vikings men's and women's teams have both appeared in the Leeds and District League Cup Final this season.

Brian Prince, chairman of York Vikings, said: "I am really excited about the future of basketball in York. Combining our resources makes basketball development stronger in the area which is a positive thing."

The new club will keep the name York Eagles for junior players while the senior teams will be called York Vikings.

Both juniors and seniors will share resources and expertise in promoting basketball in York and North Yorkshire.

Future plans for the club involve the setting up of a Senior Men’s National League team that will provide a much needed outlet for players to progress.

A junior girls programme will also be set-up to develop opportunities for girls basketball in the area.

Richard Weeks, under-18s coach for York Eagles and club chairman, said: "This is a wonderful opportunity to put York basketball on the map.

"The development of a senior national league team will see our sport grow and more opportunities for our talented youngsters to play."

Trials for the National League Men’s Team will take place on Tuesday, April 25, Tuesday, May 2, and Tuesday May 9 at York College between 7.15pm-915pm. Sessions cost £5.