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!
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.
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
Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
Cost: $135
| Date | Venue | Address |
| 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 |
These Skills Days have recently concluded.
Register HereTime: 9:00am-3:00pm
Cost: $135
| Date | Venue | Address |
| 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
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
| 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 |
| 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 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.
− 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
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.
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.
For a step-by-step guide on how to register on Basketball Connect please CLICK HERE.
CLICK HERE to register for Skills Days.
Yes, our training programs are consistent across NSW.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.