THEY only formed a matter of months ago - but Irvine's new basketball team already have their sights set on silverware.

The Irvine Sharks Basketball Club are preparing for their first league match of the season on October 6 at 7.45pm after only being established back in May.

There is a lot more than meets the eye, with a talented roster set to take to the court at Greenwood Academy when they face the North Lanarkshire Chiefs.

The club received start-up funding from the National Lottery Scotland's Awards for all.

Alongside sponsorship from Zion Security Ltd based in Glasgow, all the vital building blocks are in place to get the side operational.

It has been a journey over a year in the making, with many of the team's players only recently returning to basketball.

The club first formed after joint club founder Graham Hunter - who was leading Irvine based community basketball sessions out of Greenwood Academy as a community coach for KA Leisure for primary and secondary children - began offering a social basketball session for adults.

Many of the team reconnected at these sessions over a year ago after remaining inactive for many years in their lates 30s and 40s, having previously played as teammates for Troon Basketball Club from 1996-04.

After sharing many fond memories of their old coach the legendary Tommy Campbell, winning Scottish Cups, leagues, and international success - as well as improved fitness and consistently taking part - a committee has been formed and now the club has been created.

The side are affiliated to basketballscotland and took part in the KA Leisure Club Start programme which helped the Sharks get off the ground and training receiving free hall hire for eight weeks.

The club was set up to provide opportunities to play basketball competitively - and now that aim is set to be delivered.

This season, the Sharks men’s team will compete in the Strathclyde Basketball League Men’s Division Three on Friday nights out of Greenwood Academy.

The club was given initial entry to the Third Division rather than starting at Division Four as the club’s roster features nine former Scotland capped players - and one former professional.

Player coach Graham Hunter commented: “It’s great to see this all come full circle from a group of old teammates and friends at KA Leisure’s community session to launching a team and competing this season.

“We have had a great pre-season from beach runs, circuit training down the beach park to winning the SLBA pre-season tournament undefeated.

“The guys are all taking this season seriously and having a lot of fun doing it, really looking forward to bringing back some silverware to Irvine.”

To keep up with the Sharks progress on social media the team are on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @irvinesharksna.

The club are hoping to recruit a volunteer photographer and videographer for games. If you are interested you can contact via irvinesharks@gmail.com or social media.