U12 Programs

U12 Metro Skills Days, U12 Country Skills Days, John Davidson Country Jamboree & U12 Metro Jamboree.

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 2026, we’re opening our doors to all boys and girls born in 2015/2016. 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. 

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!

Get Involved

What are the U12 Country & Metro Skills Days?

The NSW Under-12 Skills Days provide players from across NSW, both Country and Metropolitan associations, with the opportunity to receive expert coaching and develop their basketball skills in a fun, engaging, and supportive environment.

Open to all boys and girls regardless of experience level, the program focuses on building strong individual foundations that Under-12 players should be proficient in before progressing to the next age group. Sessions emphasise the Super 6 core skills: Dribbling, Passing, Pivoting, Shooting, 1v1 Defence, and Decision Making, ensuring players continue to grow their confidence and overall game understanding. Whether you are new to basketball, playing domestically, or competing at a representative level, these Skills Days are designed to help you improve while enjoying the game.

Participation in the Skills Days is open to all players and is not dependent on involvement in any additional events. During the sessions, coaches will assess eligible players born in 2015 or 2016. Selected players may be invited to participate in their respective Under-12 Jamboree programs, including the John Davidson Country Jamboree (Southern or Northern Country NSW) or the Metro Under-12 Jamboree (Metropolitan NSW), which are invitation-only events.

Join us for an exciting day of learning, development, and basketball as we continue to provide meaningful pathways for young players across NSW.

Submit your Coach Expression of Interest

Want to get involved at one of our Under 12 Skills Days or upcoming Jamborees? If you hold a Competition Coach Qualification (former Club Coach) and want to help grow the next generation of basketballers, we’d love to hear from you. Open to both male and female coaches, all are welcome!

 

Submit your Coach EOI Here

Country Under-12 Skills Days

Northern/Eastern U12 Skills Days

Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
Cost: $135

Date Venue Address
Thursday 16th April Tamworth, Tamworth Sports Dome 9/7 Jack Smyth Dr, Hillvue NSW 2340
SOLD OUT Thursday 16th April Newcastle, Newcastle Basketball Stadium 27 Young Rd, Broadmeadow NSW 2292
Saturday 30th May Central Coast, Guzman y Gomez Stadium 324-334 Terrigal Dr, Terrigal NSW 2260
Wednesday 15th July Ballina, Ballina Indoor Sports Centre 63 Cherry St, Ballina NSW 2478
Thursday 16th July Port Macquarie, Port Macquarie Indoor Sports Stadium 1 Hibbard Dr, Port Macquarie NSW 2444

 

Southern/Western U12 Skills Days

These Skills Days have recently concluded. 

Register Here

Metro Under-12 Skills Days

Metro U12 Skills Days

Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
Cost: $135

Date Venue Address
Saturday 21st March Penrith, Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre 30 Herbert St, Cambridge Park NSW 2747 Australia
Tuesday 7th July Northern Beaches Indoor Sports Centre Jacksons Rd, Warriewood NSW 2102
Tuesday 14th July Minto, Minto Indoor Sports Centre 9 Redfern Rd, Minto NSW 2566
Wednesday 15th July Five Dock, Five Dock Leisure Centre William St, Five Dock NSW 2046
Thursday 16th July Hornsby, Thornleigh Brickpit Basketball Sports Stadium 1A Dartford Rd, Thornleigh NSW 2120

 

 

Register Here

JOHN DAVIDSON COUNTRY JAMBOREE & METRO JAMBOREE

Basketball NSW is excited to announce that the John Davidson Country Jamboree & Metro Jamboree are back in 2026.

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

Southern: Saturday 26th September – Monday 28th September @ Griffith

Northern: Friday 9th October – Sunday 11th October @ Coffs Harbour

 Metro: Wednesday 30th September – Friday 2nd October @ Penrith

2026 Jamboree Selections

Southern Selections

Under 12 Girls

First Name Surname Association
Mackenzie Allen Orange District Basketball Association
Alessia Antiohos Illawarra Basketball Association
Valentina Armanini Leeton Basketball Association
Lara Baldi Bathurst Basketball Association
Evelyn Barlow Illawarra Basketball Association
Indiana Berghofer Leeton Basketball Association
Milla Boldiston Griffith Basketball Association
Tatum Brady Griffith Basketball Association
Georgiana Brazier Orange District Basketball Association
Amelia Brear Albury Basketball Association
Ariana Capomolla Lithgow Basketball Association
Tahlia Celebi Illawarra Basketball Association
Evie Charles Griffith Basketball Association
Abigail Coghill Blue Mountains Basketball Association
Indigo Coyle Dubbo Basketball Association
Elsie Crowe West Wyalong Basketball Association
Avana Croxton Bathurst Basketball Association
Willow Dean Albury Basketball Association
Mia Dederer Orange District Basketball Association
Elli Dixon Queanbeyan Basketball Association
Estelle Eckler Wollondilly Basketball Association
Cailin Ewing Albury Basketball Association
Indi Fair West Wyalong Basketball Association
Meila Fair West Wyalong Basketball Association
Bailey Forbes Griffith Basketball Association
Maggie Frew Orange District Basketball Association
Charlize Giorgi Leeton Basketball Association
Charlee Green Shoalhaven Basketball Association
Mackenzie Greene Wollondilly Basketball Association
Ella Hanke Albury Basketball Association
Stella Hayward Wollondilly Basketball Association
Evelyn Hearne Orange District Basketball Association
Aliza Heinrich Temora Basketball Association
Addison Hopper West Wyalong Basketball Association
Violet Howard Griffith Basketball Association
Saige Jackson Illawarra Basketball Association
Nellie Jacobs Albury Basketball Association
Ines James-Kiriczenko Illawarra Basketball Association
Eliza Johanson Griffith Basketball Association
Tileah Johnston Albury Basketball Association
Rosie Kayser Shoalhaven Basketball Association
Emilie Kelly Illawarra Basketball Association
Myah Kelly Wagga Wagga Basketball Association
Maggie Klingner Albury Basketball Association
Marianna Korres Queanbeyan Basketball Association
Charlotte Lang Blue Mountains Basketball Association
Kelsey Lashbrook Leeton Basketball Association
Annabelle Lavakeiaho Albury Basketball Association
Liara Lawson Leeton Basketball Association
Eva Lolesi Illawarra Basketball Association
Frankie Lollback Albury Basketball Association
Maggie Mahon Griffith Basketball Association
Anastasia Maloney Albury Basketball Association
Elsie Martin Blue Mountains Basketball Association
Ellie McCoy Illawarra Basketball Association
Mia McGrath Leeton Basketball Association
Ellery Mckenzie Albury Basketball Association
Maddison McPhee Albury Basketball Association
Elka McPherson Goulburn Basketball Association
Briar Menghi Illawarra Basketball Association
Torah Moran West Wyalong Basketball Association
Mbali Moyo Illawarra Basketball Association
Adelyn Newby Goulburn Basketball Association
Mia Newby Goulburn Basketball Association
Astrid Newman Illawarra Basketball Association
Raven Nguyen Illawarra Basketball Association
Evie Packer Albury Basketball Association
Ilaria Pavlovic Milton Ulladulla Basketball Association
Emmerson Peschka Orange District Basketball Association
Molly Pocknall Illawarra Basketball Association
Evie Powell Narrandera Basketball Association
Evie Reedy Bathurst Basketball Association
Jane Ringland Orange District Basketball Association
Shelbie Ritchie Albury Basketball Association
Hannah Robinson Griffith Basketball Association
Poppy Romeo Shoalhaven Basketball Association
Neve Rossiter West Wyalong Basketball Association
Ruby Ryan Illawarra Basketball Association
Olive Saywell Illawarra Basketball Association
Emelia Sheekey Goulburn Basketball Association
Pippa Southam Shoalhaven Basketball Association
Bonnie Stevens Albury Basketball Association
Ivy Stimson Temora Basketball Association
Ellie Surawski Bathurst Basketball Association
Evelyn Symons Tumut Basketball Association
Willow Taylor West Wyalong Basketball Association
Charlotte Theobald Bathurst Basketball Association
Ella Thompson Albury Basketball Association
Avaly Tomlinson Goulburn Basketball Association
Chasiel Tuburan Tumut Basketball Association
Audrey Tulloch West Wyalong Basketball Association
Lilly Turnbull Bathurst Basketball Association
Isabelle Vernon Wollondilly Basketball Association
Parece Weeks Griffith Basketball Association
Leah White Deniliquin Basketball Association
Adele Whitney Lithgow Basketball Association
Bonaventure Williams Goulburn Basketball Association
Ivy Wilson West Wyalong Basketball Association
Winter Wilson Batemans Bay Basketball Association
Joanie Wynne Griffith Basketball Association
Southern Selections

Under 12 Boys

First Name Surname Association
Ryan Aholelei Illawarra Basketball Association
Bailey Anning Wagga Wagga Basketball Association
Leo Barber Albury Basketball Association
Michael Barry Griffith Basketball Association
Beau Beattie Illawarra Basketball Association
Darcy Bell Temora Basketball Association
Dylan Brakenridge Bathurst Basketball Association
Blake Broome Griffith Basketball Association
Connor Bruce Albury Basketball Association
Austin Buller Leeton Basketball Association
Mack Burbidge Albury Basketball Association
Zachary Casey Kiama Basketball Association
Jagger Ceccato Griffith Basketball Association
Coen Chambers Illawarra Basketball Association
Parker Chapman Albury Basketball Association
Isaac Chilko Illawarra Basketball Association
Kobe Church Albury Basketball Association
Levi Collins Narrandera Basketball Association
Riley Crisp Albury Basketball Association
Jack Curtis Milton Ulladulla Basketball Association
Jonah Davies Queanbeyan Basketball Association
Carter Dean Cooma Basketball Association
Lincoln Deans Queanbeyan Basketball Association
Riley Dowler Bathurst Basketball Association
Tyson Dunstan-Radnedge Wagga Wagga Basketball Association
Cooper Durham Narrandera Basketball Association
Samuel Fee Blue Mountains Basketball Association
Kortlyn Forrester Dubbo Basketball Association
Henry Fraser Blue Mountains Basketball Association
Archer Fryday Illawarra Basketball Association
Ashton Gawne Narrandera Basketball Association
Flynn Gilchrist Temora Basketball Association
Lawson Glasgow Bathurst Basketball Association
Patrick Glazier Wagga Wagga Basketball Association
Lucas Greatz Leeton Basketball Association
Lincoln Gresser Queanbeyan Basketball Association
George Hassall Queanbeyan Basketball Association
Ethan He Queanbeyan Basketball Association
Ted Higgins Illawarra Basketball Association
Jude Hilton Albury Basketball Association
Finn Hunt Albury Basketball Association
Adam Jeffries Queanbeyan Basketball Association
Kobe Jelly Tumut Basketball Association
Noah Ketels Queanbeyan Basketball Association
Silas Kiehl Illawarra Basketball Association
Fragiskos Korres Queanbeyan Basketball Association
Jobe Lang Queanbeyan Basketball Association
Matthew Lindstrom Queanbeyan Basketball Association
Owen Macarthur Blue Mountains Basketball Association
Jetta Macdonald Deniliquin Basketball Association
Flynn Martin Merimbula Basketball Association
Trae McConnell Illawarra Basketball Association
Cooper McCormack Temora Basketball Association
Harrison McDonald Blue Mountains Basketball Association
Owen Menz Albury Basketball Association
Reign Mooney Tumut Basketball Association
Charlie Moses Merimbula Basketball Association
Khaya Moyo Illawarra Basketball Association
Noah Musgrave Illawarra Basketball Association
James Norman Tumut Basketball Association
Boston O’Garey Leeton Basketball Association
Sawyer Oldrey Mills Bathurst Basketball Association
Mason Palmer Queanbeyan Basketball Association
Marcel Parker Albury Basketball Association
Mahir Pathak Albury Basketball Association
Koby Patrick Merimbula Basketball Association
Umbarra Penrith Tumut Basketball Association
Lennix Poasa Illawarra Basketball Association
Moses Pologa Griffith Basketball Association
Cameron Raines Mudgee Basketball Association
Jordy Rampal Albury Basketball Association
Lucas Rhodes Lithgow Basketball Association
Lewis Robertson Leeton Basketball Association
Levi Robson Deniliquin Basketball Association
Thomas Schneider Wagga Wagga Basketball Association
Xavier Scott Albury Basketball Association
Nate Scott-Young Albury Basketball Association
Hunter Sherriff Temora Basketball Association
Akash Singh Batemans Bay Basketball Association
Huxley Smith Goulburn Basketball Association
Caide Spargo Illawarra Basketball Association
Fletcher Stevens Leeton Basketball Association
Patrick Stevens Tumut Basketball Association
Jack Stiff Bathurst Basketball Association
Dion Stucci Griffith Basketball Association
Ryan Sunley Queanbeyan Basketball Association
James Sutton Blue Mountains Basketball Association
Lenny Taylor Merimbula Basketball Association
Patrick Todd Queanbeyan Basketball Association
Hudson Villata Griffith Basketball Association
Jace Wade Wagga Wagga Basketball Association
Oscar Warden Wagga Wagga Basketball Association
Kaden Weeks Griffith Basketball Association
Jake Weir Illawarra Basketball Association
Leonard Williams Illawarra Basketball Association
Archie Willis Bathurst Basketball Association
Jake Woolston Deniliquin Basketball Association
Knox Worthington Albury Basketball Association
Thomas Wright Griffith Basketball Association
Carter Wykes Goulburn Basketball Association

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

− Three Days of games and off court activities
−Lunch and dinners will be provided, lunch only on Day 3
− Coaches as appointed by Basketball NSW Performance Pathways team
− Basketball NSW Jamboree singlet, shorts and shirt
− Two on-court training sessions

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.

Timeline:
1997 | Terrigal (First Jamboree conducted)
1998 | Bathurst
1999 | Shoalhaven
2000 | Coffs Harbour
2001 | Griffith
2002 – 2014 | Port Macquarie
2015 – 2019 | Tamworth
2020 – 2021 | No Jamboree due to COVID-19
2022 | Tamworth & Griffith
2023 | Port Macquarie & Griffith
2024 | Coffs Harbour & Griffith
2025 | Coffs Harbour & Griffith

 

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.

More information to be confirmed post U12 Skills Days.

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.

CLICK HERE to register for Skills Days.

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.

Can my child attend more than one U12 Skills Day?

Each U12 Skills Day acts as a trial for that region’s Jamboree, so players may only trial at one location.

If you’re interested in attending an additional Skills Day, you can join the waiting list by emailing eric.hackett@bnsw.com.au. If places become available closer to the event date, they will be offered accordingly. This process ensures no child misses a selection opportunity due to limited trial spots.

Why is the John Davidson Country Jamboree in two locations in 2026?

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. 

More information to come soon.

What is the Metro Jamboree, and where and when will it be held in 2026?

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.

 

My child wants to try basketball for the first time; is this the right program for them?

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.

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 2015 or 2016 (or other event) to attend John Davidson Country Jamboree or Metro Jamboree. In special circumstances, players born in 2017 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 2015, 2016 and 2017. All players must be under the age of their nominated age group as of December 31 in that particular year. 

Players born in 2017 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 a Special Consideration process in place.

Special Consideration 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 Special Consideration form

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

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