U12 Junior Miners

The Ballarat Miners U12 program are tournament-only team.

For 2026/27, we aim to have a minimum of 32 x Athletes across 4 Teams.

The program begins in July with tryouts, with practices beginning after squads are announced in August.

We align the program with BRP core values and development standards without the Friday night travel.

U12 athletes practice twice a week (Tuesday and Sunday), with game participation in 5-6 Tournaments and Super Sundays

We also enter one team to compete at the Vic Country Junior Championships (JCC) in April 27.

PRACTICES:

• Term 3: Mid Week & Sunday = 1 hour
• Term 4: Mid Week = 1 hour, Sunday = 90 mins
• Term 1 & Term 2 = Mid Week & Sunday = 90 mins

Tuesday Practice @ Minerdome

Sunday Practice @ Selkirk

Phase 2

Congratulations to the following athletes who are invited to attend the final tryout session on 9^th August at Buxton Minerdome:

Phase 3

Invitations to register for the 2027 season will then go out individually by email on Tuesday 11^th August, 2026 and also put on social media outlets.  

Acceptances will need to be made by Friday 14^th August.

What do I bring to tryouts?

Basketball (must be named!), drink bottle, and reversible dark/light singlet or dark/light coloured t-shirts.

NO REPRESENTATIVE TEAM GEAR TO BE WORN PLEASE (Miners, Basketball Victoria, other associations)

SELECTION CRITERIA

The selection panel will use a combination of objective and subjective criteria to assess and categorize the athletes. The criteria may include, but not limited to:

• Competitiveness
• Athleticism
• Fundamental skills – shooting, ball handling, passing
• Decision Making
• Game Sense
• Coachability

Athletes will be assessed on the above criteria through a variety of different drills and game situations. Some of the ways athletes will be evaluated are:

• Skills drills
• Conceptual Play and drills
• Live Scrimmage Situations
• Small-Sided Games
• Movement exercises

TRYOUT FAQ

How many teams will we have in each age group?

This will depend on tryout numbers, skill level of players and availability of suitable coaches.

How are teams announced?

Squads will be announced via email on Tuesday 11^th August, 2026 and also put on social media outlets.

Individual Teams will be selected on a tournament-by-tournament basis. This is done to ensure athletes are provided with tailored development opportunities and varied coaching, with an understanding that U12 athletes develop at different rates and in different environments. Whilst we minimise disruption, it is common for players to move between teams during the season.

Do I have to play in the Ballarat Domestic Competition to play for the Miners

All U12 Miners athletes residing locally must be registered in our Junior Domestic competition.

Does the U12 Miners play in the VJBL?

No, U12 Miners does not play in the VJBL, due to a number of factors. We do accommodate the same level of game exposure and experiences suitable to the development of the U12 program.

The U12 Miners Induction looks to start of the Miners campaign by incorporating various aspects of our program and ensuring all athletes, parents and coaches are aligned from the beginning of the year.

DATE: Sunday16 August

TIME: 2:00 PM (TBC)

• Athlete and Parent Induction for 2026/27 season
• Athlete expectations and Goal Setting
• System of Play and practice habit sessions
• RAD Warm Up and Cool Down
• Uniform try-on and order day
• Parent Score table Information session

Following the induction day the U12 athletes will be invited to join the start of the BRP presentation night, commencing at 4:00pm

THIS IS A MANDATORY DAY FOR ALL SELECTED MINERS ATHLETES AND PARENTS

U12 will play in 5 compulsory tournaments, and 10 athletes will participate in the Junior Country Championships

Tournaments and Super Sundays:

Super Sunday - 18th October 2026 (Ballarat and Bendigo TBC)

Geelong - 31 October - 1 November 2026

Bendigo - January 26-27, 2027 (Australia Day Weekend)

Super Sunday February 2027 (TBC)

Colac Classic - February 27-28, 2027 (3rd & 4th Teams) 

South-East Junior Basketball Tournament - March 6 - 8 2027 (1st and 2nd Teams)

Ballarat Junior Tournament - June 5-7, 2027

JUNIOR COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

10 x U12 athletes will be selected to attend the 2025 Junior Country Championships (JCC) to represent the Ballarat Miners.

This tournament sets up the age group for future VJBL and Country Championship Gradings.

The selection process will be held throughout the campaign with practices and tournaments being at the forefront for selection.

The Director of Coaching will finalise the 10 athletes who attended, and the 3 athletes who will be emergencies.

This will be in conjunction with the first-team head coach.

There will be extra sessions in the lead-up to the JCC (these are mandatory)

Junior Country Championship - TBC (Typically Term 1 Holidays). Location - TBC

To help the JCC team prepare for Countty Champs, we intend to enter the team in the U14 A Grade Domestic Competition for the Summer Season (TBC)

What is the Program cost?

$525 (TBC)

This includes court hire, coaching costs and development, administrative support for program & athlete development programs.

This does not include:

Tournaments (This can range from $40 - $50 for registration, accommodation etc.)

Uniforms (Introduction pack can cost $150, this includes game singlet, training singlet and game shorts)

Below is the schedule for the 26/27 Campaign

TBC

*schedule is subject to change, practice times and locations can change.