NEWCASTLE (Paul Nilsen's Women's Basketball Worldwide) - While basketball and mainstream news outlets have drooled over the wonderful outpouring shown by Bosnia and Herzegovina fans after their success at the 2015 U16 European Championship, it's a pity few people will ever find out about a similar passion.

For what has just happened at the U16 European Championship Women was truly extraordinary too. There was no headline to tell you about - only a succession of them.

So let's start with the big one. The municipality of Matosinhos on the outskirts of Porto came out in unprecedented ways to support their team and there were scenes unseen previously as a result.

The massive numbers of spectators who went to the event needs to be put into context. This was U16 girls. Portugal were also expected to merely survive with the main goal of simply staying in Division A. They had only ever made the top eight of one youth tournament - at the U20 European Championship Women this year.

But, something truly special unfolded in a place where the passion for basketball is no less than it is on the fabulous streets of Sarajevo.

The hosts not only reached the Quarter-Finals for the first time at this particular event, they then went and achieved something beyond their wildest dreams by beating France.

It secured a first ever appearance at the FIBA U17 Women's World Championship. The arena erupted by this illustrious new slice of history and with the delicious bonus of the event being held in neighbouring Spain next year.

Next up on the menu? A first-ever Semi-Final at youth level and ironically against Spain. As jaws dropped, Portugal humbled and some might argue even humiliated their derby rivals with an eye-popping 20-point victory.

It catapulted Portugal to their third historic achievement. From first global U17 ticket, to first Semi-Final and then first-ever Final and of course another first with the guarantee of a maiden youth medal.

The place went crazy on the last day of the tournament as 4,500 people descended on the arena and the doors had to be locked long before tip-off as many more stood in the unseasonal rain outside, trying to get in.

Ultimately, Portugal were undone by an excellent Czech Republic and their fine head coach Richard Fousek.

But the real story wasn't 4,500 fans turning up on the last day and those locked out. It was the fact that on those nights when few people were even taking any notice of the tournament, Portugal were getting between 2,000 and 3,000 spectators for every game.

Monday night, Tuesday night, Wednesday night - they had the same crowd as the EuroLeague Women Final this year on every night. And THAT is incredible, astonishing and any other superlative you want to throw into the mix.

I was so pleased as a neutral that they were rewarded for their efforts as the national federation have facilitated previous youth tournaments in recent years - including Division B - so they really have worked hard at this.

It was a truly magical experience in Matosinhos. Not only because of the supporters and the history which flowed like Niagara Falls, but because of the infectious attitude and passion of the people working (and mainly volunteering) at the event.

Give me a million euros and I will organise the best youth event ever. Well actually I won't. Because I can arrange the teams, referees, hotels, internet, training facilities, food, transport and other logistics. I can't buy and secure the kind of attitude and enthusiasm of the Portugal fans, staff and volunteers.

That is absolutely priceless. So Matosinhos, thank you for providing me with the best tournament of my career!

#OnlyinMatosinhos

Paul Nilsen

FIBA

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