Junior Performance Programs

BASKETBALL ACT REPRESENTATIVE TRIALS  2026 PERFORMANCE YEAR  

Basketball ACT is pleased to open the pathways programs for prospective 2026 athletes up for trials, designed to find the ACT’s next basketball star! 

The trials are open to boys and girls in Under-12 to Under-16, and men and women Under-18 to Under 20 age groups, and will be run over a series of dates in September and October 2025. 

The BACT representative trials involve a three-phase process: 

1. Phase 1 – Open Trials: Anyone can register for four separate trials across each age group, which provide opportunities for athletes to showcase their skills.  

2. Phase 2 – Performance Pathway League (PPL): At the conclusion of the U14, U16 & U18 Open Trials, Basketball ACT will select a cohort of athletes to patriciate in a second trial phase. This is a competitive, evaluation-based league which introduces athletes to Basketball ACT’s Style of Play.  

3. Phase 3 – Selection into one of three Basketball ACT programs: At the end of the PPL athletes will be selected into one of the programs below:  

1. Australian Capital Territory Program: For elite athletes wanting to represent the ACT at National Championships for each age group, for those athletes chasing Australian representation, pro careers, or US college opportunities.  

This program Includes: 

• 2 x team training sessions/week 

• 2 x advanced skill development sessions/week 

• S&C and holistic athlete support (wellbeing, leadership, nutrition) 

2. Canberra Representative Program: A program for high-level regional competition and a development pathway for bottom-age talent that aspires for our Territory program. 

This program competes in the Basketball NSW club competition, and includes: 

• 2 x sessions/week 

3. Futures Development Program: For those emerging athletes who trialled but were unsuccessful with selection, but possess a strong potential and drive to improve.  

This program Includes: 

• One weekly training session led by a professional skill development coach.  

• Tailored individual skills sessions to prepare athletes for future selection.  

These programs are endorsed by Basketball Australia and are part of a nationally aligned curriculum that prepares ACT athletes for higher honours, national selection, and long-term success. 

To REGISTER, head to PlayHQ

Why Trial? Why This Pathway? 

If you want to represent the Territory, play for Australia, earn a US college scholarship, or one day play in the NBL, WNBL or even the NBA or WNBA — this is your pathway.  

Who Should Trial? 

Athletes born in the following years are invited to register: 

What 2026 Representative Trial Details:  

• All athletes must register to trial: If you are unable to attend the trials please register and provide a reason for your absence.  

• $30 covers all 4 trial sessions. 

• $35 for a Basketball ACT reversible trial singlet (if needed – previous year trial singlets remain valid). ALL athletes must have a Basketball ACT trial singlet.  

• Bring a basketball and drink bottle with your name on both, plus dark shorts. 

Parent Information sessions 

To explain the pathways program in more detail, we’d like to invite all parents and caregivers to attend one of our upcoming Parent Information Sessions. These sessions are designed to: 

• Provide insight into the representative and performance pathway. 

• Update you on key changes to the program. 

• Offer a space to ask questions and better understand what lies ahead for your child. 

We highly value the role families play in supporting athletes through the pathways program, and these sessions are a great way to stay informed and connected. 

Session Dates and Times: 

• U18 / U20 Men & Women – Monday 11 August, 5:30pm to 7:00pm 

• U16 Boys & Girls – Monday 1 September, 5:30pm to 7:00pm 

• U14 Boys & Girls – Monday 8 September, 5:30pm to 7:00pm 

• U12 Boys & Girls – Monday 15 September, 5:30pm to 7:00pm 

All sessions will be held at Radford College – Heath Lecture Theatre. 

We encourage at least one parent or caregiver per family to attend. Your engagement helps us build a stronger, more informed basketball community. 

Trial Schedule & Locations 

Basketball ACT performance pathway is built around Basketball Australia’s long-term athlete development model, which ensures you’re learning the right skills, the right way at an appropriate age.  

We provide a professional development environment, which has helped many Territorians achieve their goals in the sport, including: 

• Isabelle Bourne, played for the 2025 Asia Cup-winning Australian Opals, and  

• Alex Toohey, a Canberra kid who was selected by the Golden State Warriors in the recent 2026 NBA Draft. 

We currently have 15 former BACT pathway athletes playing in the US collegiate system alone.  

This is a proven pathway program designed to help you reach your goals, just as it has for so many Canberra kids now plying their trade in the WNBL & NBL in Australia, the WNBA & NBA in the US, and in league around the basketball world.  

To REGISTER, head to PlayHQ