YORK now has a National League basketball club - and they start their season this weekend.

The York Vikings, who won the local Leeds League last season, successfully applied to join the England-wide competition and will begin their season in division four north tomorrow with a national cup game.

Also in their 12-strong division are clubs from the likes of Blackpool, Sheffield, Hull, Newcastle and Barrow, with York's long-term aim being to climb all the way up to division one and then potentially even the elite BBL (the professional British Basketball League).

The Vikings, who play the bulk of their matches at York College, have also merged with the York Eagles Junior Club, who already run National League teams at under-14, U16 and U18s levels.

The York Vikings women’s team, who also won the Leeds Ladies’ League last season, will continue in local league competition this term but could potentially join the national ranks next year.

For details on the Vikings Seniors, phone club secretary Brian Prince on 07552 353571.