Cardiff and Vale College’s (CAVC) Basketball Academy have emerged victorious as the first Welsh team to claim the UK-wide Association of Colleges (AoC) Sport Champions title.

Fresh from securing their third consecutive AoC Welsh league championship and the Tier III Championship, the team delivered a stellar performance in the AoC’s National Championships, facing off against premier teams from all over the UK.

After an initial loss to Dudley College of Technology and a slim win against Leeds City College, the academy got into its groove in the seminal rounds, scoring resounding victories over Richard Huish College, Gateshead College, and Long Road Sixth College.

The final posed a challenge against the College of Haringey, Enfield, and North East London.

CAVC responded with a supreme display of defensive strategy, culminating in a triumphant 9-13 victory.

This win coincides with the rapid growth of basketball in Wales, now the second most popular sport, tailing football.

Ieuan Jones, CAVC Head of Basketball, said: "I am absolutely delighted that our team was able to win the AoC National Championship.

"This is the first time a Welsh team has won the AOC National Championship in the competitions 44-year history.

“This is a special group of players who have brought into our Academy culture.

"I am proud of them as they have committed themselves to each other with a strong work ethic both on the court and in the classroom.

"I am grateful to our graduating players Lance Macaraig, Trystan Maciver, Enock Ntumba and Hamid Ibrahim.

"Knowing that these boys are leaving the program as National Champions brings me immense joy.

"I am incredibly excited for what the future holds for our program as the elite basketball academy in Wales."

The academy, made up of students from various disciplines, combines first-class coaching and facilities to foster sports careers alongside academic progression.