NBA & WNBA expand talent search with first UK camp

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For most young basketball hopefuls, the closest they will get to learning from the sport’s biggest names is by watching a YouTube video of them playing or training.

For seven Britons, this week in Manchester has been a rare exception.

From shooting while being marked by Los Angeles centre Ivica Zubac to being guided by Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse, the first Basketball Without Borders camp to take place in the UK has the potential to be life-changing.

It was at a camp like this in Latvia where Amari Williams – drafted this year by the Boston Celtics to become only the NBA’s third English-born active player – was discovered.

The camp coming to Britain for the first time was part of the NBA’s continued push to grow the following of and participation in basketball in the country. It also followed last month’s announcement that the UK will host its first NBA regular-season games since 2019 with a match in London in 2026 and Manchester in 2027.

“We can virtually guarantee that a handful or more of the players sitting out there today will be in the [NBA and WNBA],” Nurse told BBC Sport, during the four-day camp where the Britons taking part were among Europe’s 60 highest-rated teenagers.

“It’s an amazing event, it always is. I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of it before, but when they said they were coming to Manchester, I wanted to be a part of it.

“That’s always exciting to see them at this stage, and then down the line say, ‘I remember we had them in Manchester in the camp’. Always happens. It’s exciting to be among the most talented young players in the world.”

American Nurse played in the British Basketball League for Derby Rams in the 1990-91 season, and had coaching spells at Birmingham Bullets, Manchester Giants, London Towers and Brighton Bears before rising to land NBA posts with Toronto Raptors and the 76ers.

The event in Manchester, in which both current and former players and coaches from the NBA and WNBA were involved, is designed to help aspiring basketball stars of high school ages outside of the United States get valuable first-hand coaching and advice.

Yearly BWB camps also run across Asia, Africa and The Americas. The best performing players from the four camps combined are then selected to attend another BWB camp for the world’s best young players that take place during the NBA and WNBA All-Star weekends.

‘A huge boost’ – NBA’s return to Britain

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Almost a decade ago, Los Angeles Clippers centre Zubac was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers having played professionally as a teenager in Serbia and his homeland Croatia.

It is a similar path for many Europeans entering the NBA and WNBA.

One of the camp’s aims is to scout the best talents outside of the US from a young age.

“I never really had a chance to participate [in these camps] as a kid but I would’ve loved to,” said Zubac, 28.

“I think getting advice, knowledge and experience from the NBA players, NBA coaches, all the basketball legends here, some of who have won a lot of championships, it’s very valuable and I think it’s going to be really helpful.”

NBA’s 2024-25 Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is among the current stars who have attended BWB camps, as well as 2022-23 MVP Joel Embiid and 23-year-old Williams.

A total of 129 players who have attended the camps, including 41 currently in NBA starting teams, have gone on to play in either the NBA or WNBA.

Irene Oboavwoduo, from Manchester, hopes this might happen for her too and first aiming for a US college route to help her chances.

“It’s pretty hard because basketball is not as big in England, but basketball is expanding in the UK,” said the 17-year-old. “I’m glad I’ve been able to do this as an experience for exposure.”

Nurse believes the return of NBA matches to the UK can only help the sport grow.

“The NBA and the WNBA are certainly turning into international leagues. There are players from all over the world now,” he said.

“It’s a huge boost. When the NBA brings its brand and brings its star power, bringing NBA players certainly draws a lot of attention.”

Williams’ arrival to the NBA will make him the fourth active Briton in the league alongside OG Anunoby, Tosan Evbuomwan and Jeremy Sochan, although Sochan plays internationally for Poland.

There are currently only two British players in the WNBA – Temi Fagbenle and Elizabeth Williams, who play for the Golden State Valkyries and Chicago Sky respectively,

Will WNBA games be held in UK?

The topic of top-level basketball heading outside the United States comes in a week where the first WNBA game to be held internationally takes place.

The Atlanta Dream face the Seattle Storm in Vancouver, Canada, on Friday night.

Could that lead to a future WNBA match in the UK?

“That’s always a possibility,” said two-time WNBA champion Sylvia Fowles, who is also part of the BWB’s coaching staff.

“I want to see the WNBA everywhere.

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Lou Teasdale breaks silence on Andy Carroll split rumours after his very public gesture

Lou Teasdale has broken her silence on the rumours she has split from footballer Andy Carroll, after it was claimed the pair had called time on their romance following a series of toxic rows

Lou Teasdale addresses Andy Carroll split rumours following his bold social media move

It looked like it was game over for footballer Andy Carroll and Lou Teasdale earlier this week, with rumours swirling that the pair had called time on their year-long romance after a string of toxic rows. But it looks like the sports star, 36, and One Direction’s former stylist, 41, are possibly not completely over after all.

Amid contested claims Lou’s friends are glad to see the back of Andy and contrasting reports regarding just which star was the one to end their relationship, mum-of-one Lou has today spoken out about the speculation regarding her personal life for the first time.

And as Lou claims her pals “love Andy”, the dad-of-five – who recently returned home to the UK and signed for National League South club Dagenham & Redbridge – has made a bold gesture on social media, hinting that their love story might be back on track.

READ MORE: Billi Mucklow shows Andy Carroll what he’s missing as Lou Teasdale romance ends in tearsREAD MORE: Andy Carroll ‘splits from Lou Teasdale due to her demands’ weeks after public row

andy and lou on a beach
Is Andy Carroll and Lou Teasdale’s romance back on?(Image: andytcarroll/Instagram)

Lou, and Andy started dating last year following his split from former TOWIE star Billi Mucklow, the mother of his three youngest children, after just two years of marriage.

Amid claims Andy dumped Lou due to “growing tired of her influencer lifestyle”, insiders close to teetotal Lou argued she was the one to walk away from things after a “series of alcohol-fuelled arguments.”

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Lou has now broken her silence on the conflicting reports, hot on the heels of Andy re-following her on Instagram once again and unarchiving snaps featuring her on his main grid.

“We all hated Andy: he was horrible to Lou. They’ve been on the brink for weeks,” one of Lou’s friends allegedly told the Daily Mail in a new article published today. “Everyone around Lou hated him and they pleaded with her to end it.”

Sharing a screenshot of the report on her Instagram Stories this morning, Lou shut down the claims and told her 5.7 million followers: “Nasty and not true. My friends love Andy.”

screenshot of andy page
Lou is all over Andy’s Instagram page once again after a brief exile

Earlier this week, it appeared Andy was no longer following Lou on Instagram and insiders claimed the former Liverpool and England striker had blocked his girlfriend of one year on the platform.

All snaps of the Geordie footballer with Lou on his page from their various trips and holidays vanished from his grid, including a picture from May taken in Ibiza in which he described the celebrity make-up artist as “my love”. However, as Lou shared her defiant statement this morning, the pictures re-emerged and Andy became another of Lou’s millions of followers again.

A source previously told The Sun: “Andy got sick of Lou’s demands and her influencer lifestyle. She’s always posting on social media and he hates that.” They described him as “single,” adding: “He told her it was over this week.”

However, insiders went on to tell the Daily Mail that it was Lou who dumped Andy. It’s alleged that he was so “desperate” to patch things up that he chartered a plane to Ibiza, where she’s currently holidaying with family.

Lou story screenshot
Lou broke her silence this morning on claims her pals hate Andy

An insider revealed to the media: “It was Lou who ended her relationship with Andy, she walked away a few days ago, it was very much her choice to end their romance.” They stated that she isn’t interested in “pointing the finger” or “blaming” Andy, and had hoped to handle their split privately.

The source disclosed that he’s blocked her on Instagram and erased their shared photos. They added that Lou – who is currently on holiday in Ibiza – is “very upset” about how things have “played out” and the “arguments” between them have been “especially difficult” for her.

“However, Andy wants Lou back and flew to Ibiza via private jet on Tuesday just to find her, even though he has no idea where she’s staying,” the source alleged. They said that Lou is “unimpressed” and simply wants to be with her family, adding that she’s “not interested” in reconciliation attempts.

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The Mirror has approached representatives for Lou and Andy for comment on this story.

Love Island’s Liberty Poole confirms break-up as she reveals sad reason for split

Love Island star Liberty Poole has announced that she’s split up from her partner Joshua Raybould, after the former lovers got together last year after she took part in All Stars

Love Island’s Liberty Poole has confirmed her split from Joshua Raybould after a year together(Image: @libertypoolex/Instagram)

Former Love Island star Liberty Poole has announced she has split from her partner Joshua Raybould after just over a year together. She’s opened up about their break-up in a statement shared with fans on social media.

Liberty, 25, who rose to fame on the ITV2 dating show in 2021, had confirmed her romance with musician Joshua, 28, last summer after appearing on All Stars earlier that year. She later shared that they had known each other for years.

The reality TV star has now revealed that they are no longer together following reports that they had split up earlier this week. Liberty issued a statement on the situation this morning, in which she addressed their separation.

READ MORE: Inside Mel B’s ‘spiritual’ Moroccan wedding with non traditional dressREAD MORE: Cat Deeley found moving back to the UK ‘really hard’ before split from Patrick Kielty

Statement by Liberty Poole announcing her recent split.
Love Island star Liberty Poole has announced her split from musician Joshua Raybould this week (Image: @libertypoolex/Instagram)

Liberty initially told her followers on Instagram that she hadn’t planned to post about the break-up. She said that she “wasn’t ready” to address the situation yet and revealed that she is “still processing” her split from Joshua.

She wrote in her first message to fans: “Hey I wasn’t ready to address this yet as it’s all happened very sudden and soon. I was still processing and wanting to do this in my own time. However the press haven’t given me that option and I don’t want people speculating more then needed.”

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Liberty then posted a lengthy statement in which she wrote about separating from her partner. She said that there was “no scandal” that led to their break-up, instead saying that it was the result of a “breakdown in communication”.

She wrote: “Hi guys, just wanted to address this one time only. Josh and I are no longer together. I know I shared a lot of my relationship and happiness online I did that because I honestly believed this would be my happy ending and was it for me as far as dating went.”

Liberty went on to share that it had been her “first serious relationship” and the first time she had lived with a partner. She said that “life’s no fairytale” but expressed well wishes to her ex Joshua, adding that they have split “amicably”.

Liberty Poole and Joshua Raybould in a selfie together.
Liberty (right) began a relationship with Joshua (left) last year after appearing on Love Island spin-off All Stars(Image: @libertypoolex/Instagram)

Liberty wrote: “Unfortunately life’s no fairytale. This was my first for a lot. First real love, first serious relationship, first time living with someone, first time making someone part of the family. With that comes a lot of unexpected trials no relationship is 100% perfect.”

She continued: “There was no big scandal no cheating. Just an irreversible breakdown in communication. Josh and I have parted amicably with fond memories of the love we shared. I wish him all the best for the future and hope he finds love, peace and happiness.”

Liberty, who launched her swimwear brand Uplifted the Label last month, added: “I won’t be commenting on the situation further, but just focusing on my healing. Yes I was going through a break up and launching my business at the same time. This isn’t the end of my love story just a chapter.

“I also wanted to add thank you to any stranger that saw me out and said kind words this past month. You lifted a girl up when she was down. I hope you can continue to support me in my boss babe, growth era. Lover girl out for now.”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

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READ MORE: Olivia Attwood’s ‘stunning’ initial necklace that ‘goes with everything’ is on sale

Mirror Daily Digest: Our top stories from Liverpool parade crash suspect in tears to Strictly fans’ ‘disgust’

In this Tuesday’s Mirror Daily Digest, we’ve pulled together the biggest stories of the day from the Liverpool parade crash suspect’s appearance in court to ‘disgust’ over a new Strictly star

Court sketch of Paul Doyle at a previous appearance(Image: PA Wire)

Welcome to the Mirror’s Daily Digest, where we pull together all the best stories of the day from our News, Showbiz, Sport teams and more. This Thursday, we’re featuring everything from the alleged driver of a car which mowed down huge crowds at Liverpool’s victory parade appearing in court to controversy surrounding a Strictly star and a new virus hitting the UK.

The Liverpool parade crash suspect, Paul Doyle, broke down in tears earlier today as he was charged with another 24 offences related to 23 victims. Elsewhere, one former Apprentice star’s inclusion in Strictly Come Dancing has provoked outrage and Brits have been warned over a new virus found in the UK.

Liverpool parade crash suspect Paul Doyle in tears as he faces more charges

Paul Doyle
Paul Doyle was arrested after Liverpool fans were mown down by a vehicle

Our News team’s attention was drawn to the courts earlier today as the alleged driver of a car which mowed down huge crowds at Liverpool’s victory parade broke down in tears. Paul Doyle, 53, was charged with another 24 offences. He already faced a string of charges after a Ford Galaxy minivan ploughed into scores of football fans in May.

But as Doyle, of Burghill Road, West Derby, appeared in court on Thursday morning, prosecutors levelled another 24 charges at him relating to 23 more victims. It brings the total number of victims on the indictment to 29, including eight children – two of whom were just six and seven-month-old babies at the time.

As the hearing began, Doyle clasped his hands to his face and broke down in tears. Appearing via video link the father of three struggled to speak as he sobbed when asked if he could hear the proceedings via a webcam in prison.

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Read the full story here.

Strictly fans ‘disgusted’ over latest stars as they urge BBC to take action

Thomas Skinner
Thomas Skinner has signed up for Strictly (Image: PA)

Throughout this week, our Showbiz team have been keeping across all the latest Strictly announcements – and one future contestant is causing quite the stir amongst fans. Viewers say they have been left ‘disgusted’ by the star’s inclusion in the BBC show.

Thomas Skinner, who is best known for appearing on The Apprentice, will be showing off his footwork for judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Mosi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke in just a few weeks’ time. However, because he has become known for some of his controversial views that he has posted on social media, some fans demanded were not impressed.

One fan wrote on X: “Disgusted…Have the BBC not looked at his social media output?” to which someone replied: “Somebody who has different political opinions than me is on television. BAN THEM.” but the initial tweeter insisted that is not what they meant as viewers in their droves demanded his social media history is checked

Read the full story here.

Deadly mystery virus found in UK for first time after sweeping through Europe

'Sloth virus' is spreading
‘Sloth virus’ is spreading (Image: Getty Images)

Overnight, the latest statistics from the UK Health Security Agency revealed a new virus had been found in the UK for the first time. Three cases of Oropouche virus were detected among travellers returning to the UK after spreading across Europe.

It’s the first time the Oropouche virus has been found in the UK, with all instances linked to journeys to Brazil. Latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also show a surge in travel-related chikungunya infections throughout England.

Between January and June 2025, 73 cases were recorded – a sharp rise from the 27 cases during the same timeframe in 2024, marking the highest tally ever documented for this period. Chikungunya is a mosquito-transmitted disease connected to international travel, presenting symptoms such as sudden fever typically coupled with joint discomfort.

Read the full story here.

Buckingham Palace forced to remove Anne birthday post after major family gaffe

Princess Anne
After posting 75 facts about Princess Anne in honour of her birthday, eagle-eyed royal fans noticed a major error(Image: Getty)

Our eagle-eyed Royal team spotted Buckingham Palace make a major gaffe earlier this Thursday, leaving them red-faced. To celebrate Princess Anne’s upcoming birthday tomorrow, the Palace had released a list of 75 facts about the Princess Royal

However, one so-called fact caused quite a stir among Royal enthusiasts, leading to the entire post being removed. The contentious point was number fourteen on the list, which claimed that Anne, King Charles’ sister, had two stepchildren from her second marriage to Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence.

The Palace even named these supposed stepchildren as Tom and Amy Laurence. This information was quickly debunked by fans who pointed out that Sir Tim, a retired Royal Navy officer, had not been previously married before tying the knot with Princess Anne in December 1992.

Read the full story here.

‘I could hear my dead mum celebrating with me when I opened my A-level results’

Gabrielle Morgan, 18, said she had kept a promise she made to her mum before she died by getting a place at Oxford University
Gabrielle Morgan, 18, said she had kept a promise she made to her mum before she died by getting a place at Oxford University(Image: PA)

A record number of students today celebrated top A-level results across the country – with a new milestone hit for A & A* achievements. But education leaders warned of stark divides in results between different areas of the country.

On average across the UK, 28.3% of entries were awarded either an A or A*, up from 27.8% in 2024 and above 25.4% in 2019. Boys took a lead over girls in the top grades for the first time since 2018, with 28.4% of boys’ A-level entries scoring an A or A* this summer, compared to 28.2% of their female classmates’ entries.

One happy sixth-form student said she had kept a promise she made to her mum before she died by getting a place at Oxford University. Gabrielle Morgan, 18, who is from Newcastle and who achieved straight A*s in English literature, Spanish and chemistry, said: “I could practically hear her celebrating with me when the offer came through. I know just how proud of me she is and I know she helped a lot, even though she wasn’t here physically.” Her mum, who moved from Malaysia to the UK in her early 20s, died from lung cancer in April last year.

Read the full story here.

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Kwara Monarch Seeks Govt Assistance For Victims Of Banditry

The traditional ruler of Babanla town in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Aliyu Yusuf Arojojoye II, has appealed to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to urgently provide assistance to victims of the recent attack by bandits.

An unspecified number of bandits had on August 8, 2025, attacked the agrarian community last Friday, killing villagers, who were mainly farmers, while many residents lost valuable properties.

In a statement, Oba Aliyu said that the burden of fending for the farm settlers who were sacked from their farms was becoming too much for the community alone to bear.

“We, therefore, require the assistance of the government in this regard too,” the traditional ruler said.

Oba Aliyu

He also appealed to all indigenes of the town to return home, saying that the government has done everything to ensure that there is maximum protection of lives and properties.

READ ALSO: Officer, Four Others Killed As Gunmen Attack Kwara Police Station

He commended the federal, state, and the Ifelodun local governments for their efforts to ensure peace and security in the community, while he assured governments of the people’s unalloyed support at all times.

“On behalf of the entire people of Babanla, I wish to express my profound appreciation to Abdulrahman AbdulRazak, the Executive Governor of Kwara State, and Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the National Security Adviser and heads of all security agencies in Kwara State for the timely response to the aftermath of the bandits attack on Babanla on August 8, 2025.

“We specially thank both federal and state governments for all the measures being put in place to reinforce the safety and security in this community and its environs.

“This is already helping to mitigate the shock, anxiety, worries, and fears that followed the sad event. Consequently, normalcy is gradually returning to Babanla.”

The Oba also commended the local vigilance group for demonstrating courage against the bandits.

The monarch, in the statement, said, “Even with the limited firepower, you demonstrated the bravery that this community has always been noted for. Posterity will always celebrate your role in the protection of our community.

“Let me equally appreciate my fellow traditional rulers and all lovers of this community for the sympathy messages. And to the entire people of Babanla, I say a very big thank you for still remaining calm in the face of the attack.

“I thank you for your resilience, support, and patriotism throughout this trying period. Babanla, as the home of the valiants, has in history always given refuge to people who were being persecuted.

Wrexham shatter transfer record for Wales’ Broadhead

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Wrexham have signed Wales international Nathan Broadhead from Ipswich Town on a deal which could eventually be worth £10m.

The versatile forward, 27, who was in the final year of his contract at Portman Road, has signed a four-year deal with the Dragons.

“It’s been a long time coming and I’m delighted to join the club,” Broadhead said.

“Belief is going to be the biggest thing for us this season. We want to get everyone from North Wales down to the Stok Cae Ras and to show that belief in us.”

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said: “I’m delighted to welcome Nathan to the club. We’re all looking forward to working with him in the coming seasons.”

While the initial fee is likely to be some way short of the reported £10m figure, Broadhead’s arrival will have shattered Wrexham’s transfer record.

They have broken their transfer record on numerous occasions since Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took control of the club in 2021.

The previous high mark was believed to be in excess of £3m, which Wrexham paid to sign midfielder Lewis O’Brien from Nottingham Forest last month.

He follows in the footsteps of fellow Wales internationals Danny Ward and Kieffer Moore in making the switch to the Stok Cae Ras.

Forwards Josh Windass and Ryan Hardie, defenders Conor Coady and Liberato Cacace and midfielders George Thomason and O’Brien have also moved to the north Wales side this summer.

Bangor-born Broadhead – who was in Wrexham’s academy as a boy as well as Bangor City – started his professional career with Everton but joined Ipswich permanently in 2023 following loan spells with Burton Albion, Sunderland and Wigan Athletic.

He made two first-team appearances for the Toffees but swiftly became a prominent figure at Ipswich, helping them secure successive promotions from League One to the Premier League.

Broadhead scored two goals in 18 top-flight appearances under Kieran McKenna last season.

He has netted twice in 14 senior outings for Wales, with his first goal coming on debut against Croatia in 2023.

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