Jr. NBA Youth Basketball
Basketball Nova Scotia (BNS) is proud to support the Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA Youth Basketball Program across Nova Scotia — Canada’s national grassroots youth basketball program developed in partnership between Canada Basketball and NBA Canada.
The program uses basketball as a vehicle to build character, discipline, and self-esteem in young people, while developing fundamental movement skills, sportsmanship, and a love for the game.
About the Program
The Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA program is designed for youth ages 5-12 and runs for 12 weeks, with flexible delivery to suit the needs of local communities. The curriculum follows Sport Canada’s Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Model and takes a whole-child approach — developing basketball skills alongside mental and life skills at every session. The program is beginner-friendly and open to all kids, regardless of prior athletic experience.
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
- Enrollment in the official grassroots youth development program of Canada Basketball
- Proven curriculum aligned with the LTAD Model
- Player package including reversible jersey, basketball, headband, certificate, and Jr. NBA sticker sheet
- Coaching from NCCP FUNdamentals trained coaches
- Parents’ Guide
- Provincial and national membership and liability insurance
Benefits for Coaches
- Coach training through the NCCP FUNdamentals Workshop
- Background Screening Services
- JNYB Game Plan online portal registration and access
- JNYB Curriculum including Coach Manual, Lesson Plans, Drill Bank, Video library, and additional resources
- Dri-fit shirt and Fox 40 whistle
- Provincial and national membership and liability insurance
Now Recruiting Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA Program Hosts
Canada Basketball and Basketball Nova Scotia are excited to begin preparations for the upcoming 2026-2027 Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA season and are currently seeking clubs, schools, camps, leagues, and community organizations interested in delivering programming within their local communities.
What your organization receives:
- Ready-to-use curriculum and session plans
- Official Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA participant apparel and equipment
- Coach education and development resources
- Marketing and promotional support
- Full onboarding support from Canada Basketball — program planning, registration setup, coach onboarding, and materials ordering
What’s new for Fall 2026:
- Updated curriculum featuring new games and lessons, plus refreshed life-skills modules grounded in the latest evidence-based content.
- Flexible jersey options at multiple price points
Program formats we support:
- House league programming
- Skill development programs
- Community basketball initiatives
- School-based programming
- Camps and clinics
How to Get Started
- For clubs and organizations interested in hosting:
Contact the Canada Basketball team to learn more about program structure, timelines, and next steps.
- For parents and players:
Find a Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA program near you at https://www.jrnba.ca/the-program/find-a-program?province=nova-scotia
For more information visit https://www.jrnba.ca/
