Founded nearly 100 years ago, the Algarve Basketball Association (and basketball in the Algarve) is going from strength to strength under the leadership of President Eduardo Cruz.
The Olhão-based Associação de Basquetebol do Algarve (ABA) is the body responsible for organising and regulating basketball competitions in the Algarve, as well as fostering the sport’s growth. Founded in 1931, it has been led since 2017 by lifelong ‘basketball-man’ Eduardo Cruz. With the help of seven talented staff, the team are focused on “growth and commitment” for the year ahead and beyond.
The performance of our national team at EuroBasket 2025 – Portugal reached the last sixteen – has been an inspiration, with children and adults of all ages showing increased interest in the sport. The team’s success is built upon the strong foundations laid by regional federations and the investment they’ve made in the sport, particularly at a junior level. One prime example is the emergence of top players such as the Faro-born Clara Silva.
The ABA comprises clubs from the length and breadth of the Algarve, with tournaments for under-12s, under-14s, 16s and 18s. The ABA provides support for boys, girls and senior teams alike. In recent years, teams and players from the Algarve have been gaining more recognition at a national level, with arguably the three most prominent teams being the Albufeira-based Imortal Basket Clube, Portimonense Sporting Club, and the Faro-based Farense Basket. In addition to organising local and regional competitions, the ABA organises high-profile events such as the Algarve International Tournament, which attracts teams from all over Portugal and from other countries too.
While support from the central government remains below the needs of a rapidly growing sport, it’s felt that with continued support from the region’s municipalities and local businesses, the association can help extend the network of clubs, athletes and educational projects that support regional basketball. “Our ambition,” said Eduardo, “is not limited to maintaining what has already been achieved. We have a clear vision to anticipate and respond to the challenges and the many opportunities we have here in the Algarve.”
With their focus on “growth and commitment”, the aim of the ABA is to work with passion, rigour and vision, so that the year ahead becomes a memorable one in the journey of the sport. As Eduardo said, “May we never lack the courage to dream, nor the commitment to achieve. Algarve basketball is ready to soar higher – and everyone is invited to be part of this journey.”
Clara Silva started playing basketball in her hometown of Faro, at Sporting Clube Farense, and also played for Imortal Basket Clube of Albufeira. She has since gone on to represent Portugal in the under-19s category and earn rave reviews at the Under 19 World Cup. She is currently playing for Texas Christian University in the USA and is expected, in the very near future, to represent our senior national team.
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