Under 12 Programs - Basketball NSW

Unlock Your Basketball Potential with Our Under-12 Skills Days!

Ready to take your basketball game to new heights? Our Under-12 Skills Days are the perfect opportunity for young players to receive expert coaching, enhance their skills, and have an absolute blast doing it!

In 2025, we’re opening our doors to all boys and girls born in 2014/2015. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or a player aiming for representative levels, this program is designed for every skill level. You’ll work on the key fundamentals of the game, including dribbling, shooting, passing, defense, and decision-making—all while having loads of fun with teammates.

Each session is packed with hands-on coaching, giving you the tools you need to improve and build confidence on the court. And if you’re new to basketball, our Ford Aussie Hoops program is the perfect starting point to kick off your journey in a fun, friendly environment.

Don’t miss out—join us now and experience the excitement, growth, and skill development that will take your basketball game to the next level!

Coach EOI CLICK HERE
– Open to female and male coaches!
– Seeking enthusiastic volunteer floor coaches
– Must have a club coach coaching certification.

Country Under-12 Skills Days

The NSW Country Under-12 Skills Days are designed to provide players from Country NSW associations with the opportunity to receive expert coaching and enhance their basketball skills to the highest standard. This program is open to all boys and girls, regardless of their experience level.

The focus of these skills days is on developing individual skills that Under-12 players should be proficient in before progressing to the next age group. Whether you are a beginner or playing at a representative level, these sessions are a great opportunity to improve your game, with an emphasis on fun and learning.

Players are welcome to attend these sessions even if they do not wish to participate in the John Davidson Country Jamboree. During the Skills Days, coaches will assess players born in 2014 or 2015, and those identified may be invited to participate in the John Davidson Country Jamboree (an invitation-only event).

For more information on the John Davidson Country Jamboree, please refer to the below information.

Northern/Eastern Dates & Locations:

Location	Date	Time	Address
Terrigal	17th July	9.00am- 3:00pm	324-334 Terrigal Dr, Terrigal NSW 2260
Maitland	18th July	9.00am- 3:00pm	10 Bent St, Maitland NSW 2320
Tamworth	19th July	9.00am- 3:00pm	9/7 Jack Smyth Dr, Hillvue NSW 2340
Coffs Harbour	20th July	9.00am- 3:00pm	74A Bray St, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
Lismore	20th July	9.00am- 3:00pm	342 Keen St, Lismore NSW 2480

Southern/Western Dates & Locations:

~~SOLD OUT 18th May @ Leeton Indoor Stadium – 9:00am – 3:00pm~~

Click here to register

Metro Under-12 Skills Days

The Metro Under-12 Skills Days offer players from Metropolitan NSW associations the chance to receive expert coaching and elevate their basketball skills to the next level! This exciting program is designed to make skill development fun and engaging, with a focus on the ‘Super 6’—Dribbling, Passing, Pivoting, Shooting, 1v1 Defense, and Decision Making.

Whether you’re an experienced junior player or competing in domestic leagues, this program is perfect for players looking to improve their game in a fun, supportive environment.

As we continue to expand our community programs and events, our coaches will assess players born in 2014, with the introduction of the Metro Under-12 Jamboree in 2025. This new event will offer even more opportunities for players to showcase their skills and continue their basketball journey.

Come join us for an unforgettable day of growth, fun, and basketball!

Metro Dates & Locations:

Location	Date	Time	Address
Northern Beaches	5th July	9.00am- 3:00pm	40 Kingsway, Dee Why NSW 2099
Minto	10th July	9.00am- 3:00pm	9 Redfern Rd, Minto NSW 2566
Kellyville	15th July	9.00am- 3:00pm	10 Marella Ave, Kellyville NSW 2155
Horsnby	16th July	9.00am- 3:00pm	1A Dartford Rd, Thornleigh NSW 2120

Click Here to register

JOHN DAVIDSON COUNTRY JAMBOREE

Basketball NSW is excited to announce that the John Davidson Country Jamboree is back in 2025.

This year, the John Davidson Country Jamboree will take a new and exciting approach to the long-standing event to create more opportunities for junior country athletes.

The John Davidson Country Jamboree will have two locations to host to support the growth of regional players in NSW.

Southern: 12th-14th July 2025 – Griffith

Northern: 10th-12th October 2025 – Coffs Harbour

METRO JAMBOREE: More information to come soon.

THE CONCEPT OF JOHN DAVIDSON COUNTRY JAMBOREE

The John Davidson Country Jamboree has been developed to provide junior country basketballers with an enjoyable basketball experience that includes more than just direct head-to-head competition.

The John Davidson Country Jamboree is a fantastic opportunity for Under 12 NSW Country players to experience high-level coaching and fun social activities.

The focus is not on winning; it is participatory and enjoyment of the game that is important at Jamboree. The games have been specifically modified so that we can cater to the involvement of all players.

Players and coaches attending John Davidson Country Jamboree can look forward to participating in an exciting atmosphere with other young basketball enthusiasts while learning new strategies and techniques and developing their overall skillset for future games.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

A minimum of 6 games of basketball
3 training sessions
Playing singlet, playing shorts and Jamboree t-shirt (to keep)
Social Activities/Individual skills competitions.

- Lunch and dinner on Sat-Sun and lunch on Mon Southern Jamboree.
- Lunch and dinner on Fri-Sat and lunch on Sun Northern Jamboree.

NOTE: Players must arrange their own travel & accommodation arrangements

History of the John Davidson Country Jamboree

The original concept of the Country Jamboree for under 12 players was devised by Bob McGugan and John Martin, following a discussion regarding a junior social development basketball event discovered by David Crocker, the Basketball Victoria Country Development Officer at the time.

David, now the FIBA Oceania Executive Director, introduced a Spanish initiative known as a ‘Jamboree’, which was consequently implemented in Country Victoria for athletes aged 11 called The Southern Cross Jamboree.

NSW Country Basketball was invited to attend the Victoria Country Jamboree in Swan Hill in 1996, and NSW Country icon Nancy Haslop led the initial group. At the time, the Jamboree concept was quite foreign to the normal competition driven team basketball tournaments. There had been mini-basketball events held in NSW from as early as 1982, however, NSW Country Basketball decided to start their own Jamboree once the value of the concept was realised, and the format was finalised in 1988. It followed the FIBA concept of European junior basketball.

Several people in particular have been instrumental in the development of the Jamboree concept over many years; Leeanne Palmer (Newcastle), Neil Gibson (Moss Vale & Newcastle), Annie Neal (Gosford), Anthony Foy (Newcastle), Paul and Sue Masters (Western Region), Karen Irwin (Central Coast) and John Martin (Shoalhaven). The Jamboree was named after John Davidson on the 22nd of August 2015, to recognise and honour his amazing contribution to country basketball and Basketball NSW over a long period of time.

All Jamborees past and present were preceded by Skills Days, conducted at 10 country venues, in order to select individual top age players to attend the Jamboree.

The early Jamborees comprised of six boys and six girls teams, including the Diggers, Goldminers, Jumbucks, Pioneers, Bushrangers and Explorers. In 2003, the Sundowners and the Troopers teams were added, followed by the introduction of the Billabong and Settlers teams in recent years.

To ensure smooth operations, all Jamborees are supported by a development referee group consisting of referees under 16 years of age. These referees undergo daily clinics and oversee all games taking place – under the guidance of NSW Referee Development Officers.

In 2004, a special family BBQ night was added to provide players an opportunity to bond with their families and enjoy a fun-filled evening with their teammates. It also allowed families to connect with team officials and staff.

In 2022, the John Davidson Country Jamboree introduced a new format, splitting country NSW into two Southern and Northern events. This change provided more opportunities for young NSW country athletes, coaches and referees in regional areas to participate in high performance basketball and expert coaching. The 2022 Jamboree featured 320 players, 40 coaches and 40 referees, and this year’s edition will grow to encompass 370 participants across the two regions.

The Jamboree represents an incredible platform for development, fun, and fostering friendship within the country basketball family. It is essentially a social and personal development experience set in a positive and noncompetitive basketball environment, that is now firmly entrenched as an integral cog in the junior development program, and has grown to the point where multiple venues are utilised.

In 2023, the event expanded to provide even greater opportunities for regional under 12 athletes to enhance their basketball skills and gain a deeper understanding of Basketball NSW country style of play. In addition to the 40 coaches and 40 referees, 40 team managers are included in this years’ Jamboree, as well as 370 players.

Furthermore, 2023 witnessed a momentous addition: the introduction of five Indigenous team names, each representing the land on which the game is played, using traditional Language. The Southern Jamboree will be held on Wiradjuri Country and will use Pama-Nyungan Language, and the Northern Jamboree will be held on Biripi Country and will use Gathang Language.

Concept of Metro Jamboree

The Metro Jamboree is designed to provide junior country basketball players with a memorable and enjoyable basketball experience, offering more than just head-to-head competition. This event presents a unique opportunity for Under 12 NSW Metro players to engage in high-level coaching, develop new skills, and participate in fun social activities.

At the Metro Jamboree, the emphasis is not on winning, but rather on participation, enjoyment, and the love of the game. The games have been specially modified to ensure that all players are actively involved and can enjoy the experience to the fullest.

Players and coaches attending the Metro Jamboree will have the chance to immerse themselves in an exciting and supportive environment, interact with fellow young basketball enthusiasts, and enhance their basketball knowledge through new strategies and techniques.

What’s Included:

A minimum of 6 games of basketball
3 training sessions focused on skill development
Playing singlet, shorts, and Jamboree t-shirt (yours to keep)
Social activities and individual skills competitions
Lunch during the Jamboree

Note: Players are responsible for arranging their own travel and accommodation.

The Metro Jamboree is an outstanding event for young players to grow both on and off the court, all while enjoying the camaraderie and excitement of the game.

Frequently Asked Questions U12 Skills Days and John Davidson Country Jamboree

How do I regsiter?

For a step-by-step guide on how to register on Basketball Connect please CLICK HERE.

U12 Metro Skills Registration Link

U12 Country Skills Registration Link

Are the same skills being taught in the Metro as in the Country?

Yes, our training programs are consistent across NSW.

What is the difference between Metro and Country?

Participants can attend any u12 skills day Metro or Country.

To be eligible for selection in our next-level community programs such as John Davidson Country Jamboree or Metro Jamboree, Under 13 Metro and Country Challenges, you must be from the following area and Talent I.D on the day.

This is specific to the location of where you live and where you play basketball.

E.g I live in Katoomba but play with Lithgow in the Western Junior League. I am eligible for Country.

I am from Coffs Harbour but board at school in Sydney and play for Norths. I am eligible for Metro.

Why is the John Davidson Country Jamboree in two locations in 2025?

The John Davidson Country Jamboree has proven to be one of our most popular events for under 12’s basketball calendar. We chose to evolve the program by splitting it across two regional locations, those being Southern and Northern NSW. This will enable us to create more opportunities for players, coaches and referees to participate.

Southern: 12th-14th July 2025 – Griffith

Northern: 10th-12th October 2025 – Coffs Harbour

What is the Metro Jamboree, and where and when will it be held in 2025?

The John Davidson Country Jamboree has proven to be one of our most popular events for under 12’s basketball calendar. We chose to evolve the program by adding a metro location, for metro under 12’s athletes. This will enable us to create more opportunities for players, coaches and referees to participate.

More information to come soon.

Metro – 29th September – 1st October – TBC

What Skills Day & Jamboree can my child attend?

You can attend any Skills Day; however, to be selected and invited to attend a John Davidson Country Jamboree or Metro Jamboree, players must trial in the region they are currently registered in. If you have any issues or needs of special consideration, please email adam.marjoram@bnsw.com.au

For example:

Southern Jamboree Selection criteria will come from players from Western Junior League and Southern Junior League.

Northern Jamboree Selection Criteria will come from Northern & Eastern Junior League players.

Metro Jamboree Selection Criteria will come from Metro Junior League players.

All selected players must be born in either 2014 or 2015 (or other event) to attend John Davidson Country Jamboree or Metro Jamboree. In special circumstances, players born in 2016 can be selected if identified at a Skills Day, and spots become available.

Can my child attend a U12 Skills Day and not attend the Jamboree?

Yes, absolutely! We welcome all young basketballers to attend a U12 Skills Day, whether or not they plan to progress to the John Davidson Country Jamboree or Metro Jamboree. The skills days are designed to benefit players of all levels, and participation in the Jamboree is not a requirement. Simply fill out the registration form when prompted to secure your spot.

What if my child is outside the age range?

If your child falls outside the age range for the program, there are still opportunities for them to participate. Basketball NSW offers various one-day camps through the Leeanne Palmer Country Development Program and Metro Development Program, which take place throughout the year across New South Wales. We recommend checking the program calendar for details on upcoming camps that may be suitable for your child’s age and skill level.

What if my child was born in 2013?

Basketball NSW runs the Talented Athlete Program (TAP) trials across regional NSW, these are normally conducted between the months of May and June for U13 and U14 players.

What is the specific age of U12 basketball in NSW for 2025?

U12 basketball is for children born in the years 2014, 2015 and 2016. All players must be under the age of their nominated age group as of December 31 in that particular year.

Players born in 2016 won’t be eligible for the John Davidson Country Jamboree and Metro Jamboree but can participate in the U12 Skills Days.

What other programs are BNSW running during the school holidays?

Basketball NSW will also be facilitating numerous Leeanne Palmer Country Development Program and Metro Development Program one day camps and NSW Legacy Programs throughout the year in other various locations across the State. Keep an eye on our calendar for more information and other events.

How are players chosen for teams at the John Davidson Country Jamboree and Metro Jamboree??

All players are selected as individual athletes, Basketball NSW will then allocate players to teams before the event. We aim to mix players from different regional locations into teams. Our coaching staff will run social activities and ice-breakers games to help everyone settle in and start to make new friends.

What if my child can’t attend the Skills Day? Is there an exemption process for them to be considered?

We offer multiple Skills Days across NSW during two holiday periods, and we encourage parents to have their child attend the day in person. However, if attendance is not possible, we do have an exemption process in place. Exemption requests are handled on a case-by-case basis, and a form will need to be completed for consideration.

Click HERE to fill out an exemption form

Please email adam.marjoram@bnsw.com.au for more info.

JOHN DAVIDSON COUNTRY JAMBOREE GALLERY

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