Each year, Canada Basketball hosts a week-long National Championship for provincial and territorial U15 and U17 boys and girls teams. Nova Scotia has been proud to field teams for this important competition for the last 25 years. Nova Scotia teams competing in this National competition are formed and trained through the Provincial Team Program (PTP).
The goal of the PTP is to provide a positive, welcoming and impactful basketball experience for the top level athletes in the province at the U15 and U17 age level, allowing them to gain quality training and exposure by competing with the best athletes in the country in their age group, at the same time helping to create a winning culture in Nova Scotia.
BNS prides itself on a tryout process that is fair and equitable. Learn more about the Evaluation Process for PTP Tryouts here BNS Team Selection Criteria
Age Group: U15 Girls
Date: Saturday December 13th, 2025
Location: JL Ilsley High School
Times Group A: 9:00 - 10:30 am & 1:30 - 3:00 pm
Times Group B: 11:00am - 12:30pm & 3:30 - 5:00pm
Age Group: U15 Boys
Date: Saturday December 20th, 2025
Location: West Bedford School (Elementary & High School Gyms)
Times Group A & B: 9:00 - 10:30 am & 1:30 - 3:00 pm
Times Group C & D: 11:00am - 12:30pm & 3:30 - 5:00pm
Age Group: U17 Boys & Girls
Date: Sunday December 21st, 2025
Location: West Bedford School (Elementary & High School Gyms)
Girls Times:
Groups A & B: 9:00-10:30 am & 1:30 - 3:00 pm
Boys Times:
Groups A & B: 11:00am - 12:30pm & 3:30 - 5:00pm
Participation & Athlete Expectations:
Athletes selected to the 2026 Provincial Team Program will also be permitted to participate in Club basketball, noting that PTP commitments will need to be identified with BNS coaching staff in advance of program commitment and adhered to. BNS recognizes the value of both development pathways and are committed to working with our partner clubs in supporting athletes in accessing high-quality opportunities.
Where possible, BNS will work with clubs/programs to coordinate competition weekends to minimize conflicts and support athlete availability.
Program Structure & Schedule:
Provincial teams will participate in 5-7 training weekends between March and July.
Full schedule will be available in March.
Teams will also compete in two competition events:
Additionally, some teams will take part in a camp-style training the week leading up to the National Championships. Note, length of camp and activities as part of camp may vary per age group and gender.
PTP coaches may also build in league play or exhibition games as part of PTP schedule. Sport Sciences, including Strength & Conditioning, Mental Performance and Nutrition will also be built into the program.
National Championships:
Canada Basketball’s National Championships will take place the week of August 3, 2026 (athletes departing on Sunday, August 2).
U15/U17 boys will take place in Regina, Saskatchewan and U15/U17 girls in Sherbrooke, Quebec.
Program Cost:
Program fee includes the following key elements of the program:
- Canada Basketball Membership Fee
- Training facilities costs
- Gear package - Track suit, hoodie, shooter shirt x 2, t-shirt, bag
- Uniforms (for athletes to keep)
- Pre-Nationals Tournament Travel - including bus/airfare and accommodations
- Registration fee for tournaments (except Scotia Showcase)
- National Championships:
- Tournament Registration
- Travel (airfare)
- Accommodations
- Meals
- Banquet
- Transportation to and from airport
ESTIMATED program fee for 2026: $3000-3500 per athlete
Program budgets will be built for each team based on competition and training schedule.
Complete budget available in March.
Fundraising Programs:
BNS has a number of opportunities for teams and individual athletes to raise funds to support player participation. Fundraising initiatives are agreed upon by each individual team and led by the team manager, with support from BNS. Below are current fundraising opportunities for the 2026 program:
- Provincial Club Championships Hosting
- Vertical Raise Platform
- Bursary Program
- Scotia Showcase Program Banner Ads
- Team Camps/Clinics
- 3x3 Tournament Hosting
- Individual Donors
We look forward to a strong 2026 Provincial Team season and appreciate the ongoing support of athletes, families, and clubs across the province.