**Steve Fanning Appointed Head Coach of Netherlands U18 Men’s National Team Ahead of 2025 European Championship Campaign**
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The Netherlands Basketball Federation has officially announced the appointment of **Steve Fanning** as the **head coach** of the Netherlands U18 Men’s National Team, marking a significant step in the country’s preparations for the **2025 European Championship** [A](https://breakingsportnews.co.uk/steve-fanning-appointed-head-coach-of-netherlands-u18-mens-national-team-ahead-of-2025-european-championship-campaign/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJtUWtjN1pSZTFhNG5XTUR2OVdmdkUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiQ2dOandISGhBR2d6VmNMZHlMRUFIIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvYnJlYWtpbmdzcG9ydG5ld3MuY28udWtcL3N0ZXZlLWZhbm5pbmctYXBwb2ludGVkLWhlYWQtY29hY2gtb2YtbmV0aGVybGFuZHMtdTE4LW1lbnMtbmF0aW9uYWwtdGVhbS1haGVhZC1vZi0yMDI1LWV1cm9wZWFuLWNoYW1waW9uc2hpcC1jYW1wYWlnblwvIn0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
Fanning, a seasoned coach with a reputation for developing young talent, brings a wealth of experience to the Dutch squad. His coaching philosophy emphasizes **discipline, tactical awareness, and player development**, making him an ideal fit for a team looking to make a deep run in the upcoming championship.
### **A New Era for Dutch Basketball**
The Netherlands U18 team has been steadily improving in recent years, competing in **FIBA U18 EuroBasket tournaments**, primarily in **Division B** [B](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherlands_men%27s_national_under-18_basketball_team?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJtUWtjN1pSZTFhNG5XTUR2OVdmdkUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiQ2dOandISGhBR2d6VmNMZHlMRUFIIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvZW4ud2lraXBlZGlhLm9yZ1wvd2lraVwvTmV0aGVybGFuZHNfbWVuJTI3c19uYXRpb25hbF91bmRlci0xOF9iYXNrZXRiYWxsX3RlYW0ifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). The team’s most notable achievement came in **2018**, when they secured their first-ever **gold medal** in the **FIBA U18 European Championship Division B**, earning promotion to **Division A** [B](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherlands_men%27s_national_under-18_basketball_team?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJtUWtjN1pSZTFhNG5XTUR2OVdmdkUiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiQ2dOandISGhBR2d6VmNMZHlMRUFIIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvZW4ud2lraXBlZGlhLm9yZ1wvd2lraVwvTmV0aGVybGFuZHNfbWVuJTI3c19uYXRpb25hbF91bmRlci0xOF9iYXNrZXRiYWxsX3RlYW0ifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
With Fanning at the helm, expectations are high for the squad to **build on past successes** and establish themselves as a formidable force in European youth basketball. His appointment signals a **commitment to long-term development**, ensuring that young Dutch players receive the guidance needed to transition into professional basketball.
### **Fanning’s Coaching Pedigree**
Fanning has coached at various levels, including **youth development programs and professional leagues**, earning a reputation for his ability to **identify and nurture talent**. His coaching style is known for its **strategic adaptability**, allowing teams to adjust their play based on opponents’ strengths and weaknesses.
His previous coaching stints have seen him work with **elite young prospects**, many of whom have gone on to play in **top European leagues** and even the **NBA**. His ability to **motivate players and instill a winning mentality** will be crucial as the Netherlands U18 team prepares for the **2025 European Championship**.
### **Road to the 2025 European Championship**
The Netherlands U18 team will undergo **intensive training
