OVERVIEW

Jr. NBA Youth Basketball (JNYB) is Canada’s national youth basketball program designed to develop fundamental skills, sportsmanship, and a love for the game of basketball. Canada Basketball and NBA Canada have partnered up to create this grassroots initiative to empower community basketball groups, facilities, and clubs across Canada in an effort to positively influence youth through the sport of basketball.

JNYB allows participants the opportunity to maximize their potential while promoting the importance of youth basketball as a vehicle to build character, discipline, and self-esteem. With each session, players have an opportunity to learn both basketball and movement skills, as well as mental and life skills.

The model for JNYB was established after extensive research of existing community basketball programs from across North America. The curriculum follows the guidelines of Sport Canada’s Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Model and aims to give a holistic approach to athlete development. The program is geared towards youth between the ages of 5-12 and runs for 12 weeks, however, it is flexible in nature to allow local coordinators to adapt the program to their needs and resources within their community while keeping the core principles and philosophies intact.
 

OBJECTIVES

• Participation - Provide opportunities for youth ages 5-12 across Canada to play basketball
• Education - NCCP FUNdamentals Coach Workshop and full basketball curriculum with supporting resources.
• Development - Develop young athletes in alignment with the Sport Canada LTAD Model and stage-appropriate drills and games.
• Progression - Entry to the Canada Basketball development pathway, encouraging athletes to pursue high performance opportunity.
• Character Building - Help athletes maximize their potential, using basketball as a vehicle to develop character and life skills.

BENEFITS

For Players

1. Enrollment in the official grassroots youth development program of Canada Basketball and NBA Canada
2. Proven curriculum aligned with the LTAD Model
3. Coaching from NCCP FUNdamentals trained JNYB Coaches
4. Player Package including reversible jersey, basketball, drawstring bag, certificate, and poster 
5. Parents’ Guide for all JNYB parents
6. Provincial and national membership and liability insurance

For Coaches

1. Coach training through the NCCP FUNdamentals Workshop
2. Background Screening Services
3. JNYB Game Plan online portal registration and access
4. JNYB Curriculum including Coach Manual, Lesson Plans, Drill Bank, and additional resources
5. Dri-fit shirt and Fox 40 whistle
6. Provincial and national membership and liability insurance

For Hosts

1. A comprehensive, adaptable, and proven program aligned with the LTAD Model 
2. Endorsement from NBA Canada, Canada Basketball, provincial/territorial sport organizations (PTSOs), and Sport Canada
3. JNYB Operations Manual and support from JNYB and PTSO staff 
4. Coach training through the NCCP FUNdamentals Workshop
5. Player Package including jersey, basketball, drawstring bag, certificate, and poster
6. Parents’ Guide for all JNYB parents
7. Use of the JNYB name, marks, logos, images, and other marketing materials
8. No start-up fee and affordable registration for players and coaches

HOW TO SIGN UP:

If you are a local coordinator interested in hosting your own JNYB program yourself, please enroll your organization at https://www.jrnba.ca/for-coaches/enroll-your-club

If you are a parent interested in registering your child, or a coach looking to be part of this program, please contact a local JNYB coordinator in your area for more details. You can find a program near you at https://www.jrnba.ca/the-program/find-your-program

For additional information, please visit http://www.jrnba.ca/.