11th June 2026
Author: Maree DeGeorge
Do you love basketball? Want to improve your game, meet new friends and learn from some of Victoria's best coaches?
Basketball Victoria is excited to welcome the next generation of country basketballers to the 2026 Under-12 Country Skills Days, with opportunities available for athletes born in 2015 and 2016 across ten regional locations this July.
Whether you're taking your first steps in representative basketball or looking to further develop your skills, the U12 Skills Days provide a fun, challenging and rewarding environment where athletes can build confidence, improve their game and develop a lifelong love of basketball.
More than just a development opportunity, the Skills Days also represent the first entry point into the Basketball Victoria Country Pathway and provide talented young athletes with an opportunity to be identified for future pathway programs.
Basketball Victoria High Performance and Pathways Coordinator – Country, Craig Hockley, said the Skills Days play an important role in introducing young athletes to the opportunities available within the Victorian basketball pathway.
"The U12 Skills Days are all about creating positive basketball experiences while helping young athletes develop their skills, confidence and love for the game," Hockley said.
"They provide a fantastic opportunity for athletes from across regional Victoria to learn from experienced coaches, meet other passionate players and begin their journey within the Basketball Victoria pathway."
Your First Step to the Country Pathway
For athletes born in 2015, the Skills Days also provide an opportunity to be identified for selection to the 2026 Basketball Victoria Under-12 Country Jamboree, to be held in Echuca from 19-22 September 2026.
The Under-12 Country Jamboree brings together the state's most promising young country basketballers, with 12 boys’ teams and 12 girls teams selected from across Victoria to train, compete and further develop their skills in a high-quality basketball environment.
For many athletes, the Jamboree is their first experience within the Basketball Victoria pathway and an exciting opportunity to represent their region alongside other talented players from across the state.
What's Included?
Every registered participant will receive:
- Coaching and skill development from experienced pathway coaches
- Official U12 Skills Day T-Shirt
- Official U12 Skills Day Drink Bottle
- Official U12 Skills Day Basketball
Most importantly, participants will enjoy a full day of basketball, learning and fun while creating memories and friendships that can last well beyond the court.
2026 U12 Country Skills Days Locations & Dates
Central Region
Venue: Selkirk Stadium, Ballarat
Boys: Sunday 26 July | 9:30am - 4:00pm
Girls: Sunday 26 July | 9:30am - 4:00pm
East Gippsland
Venue: Gippsland Regional Sports Complex, Sale
Boys: Saturday 25 July | 9:30am - 4:00pm
Girls: Sunday 26 July | 9:30am - 4:00pm
North Central
Venue: Red Energy Stadium, Bendigo
Boys: Saturday 25 July | 9:30am - 4:00pm
Girls: Sunday 26 July | 9:30am - 4:00pm
North East
Venue: Shepparton Sports Stadium, Shepparton
Boys: Saturday 25 July | 9:30am - 4:00pm
Girls: Sunday 26 July | 9:30am - 4:00pm
North West
Venue: Swan Hill Stadium, Swan Hill
Boys: Sunday 26 July | 9:30am - 4:00pm
Girls: Sunday 26 July | 9:30am - 4:00pm
Outer Northern Region
Venue: Robson Stadium, Wallan
Boys: Sunday 26 July | 9:30am - 4:00pm
Girls: Sunday 26 July | 9:30am - 4:00pm
Peninsula
Venue: Dromana Stadium, Dromana
Boys: Saturday 25 July | 9:30am - 4:00pm
Girls: Sunday 26 July | 9:30am - 4:00pm
South Central
Venue: Bluewater Leisure Centre, Colac
Boys: Saturday 25 July | 9:30am - 4:00pm
Girls: Sunday 26 July | 9:30am - 4:00pm
South Gippsland
Venue: Korumburra Stadium, Korumburra
Boys: Saturday 25 July | 9:30am - 4:00pm
Girls: Sunday 26 July | 9:30am - 4:00pm
South West
Venue: HILAC Stadium, Hamilton
Boys: Saturday 25 July | 9:30am - 4:00pm
Girls: Sunday 26 July | 9:30am - 4:00pm
If you love basketball, enjoy learning new skills and want to challenge yourself alongside other passionate young athletes, the Basketball Victoria Under-12 Country Skills Days are the perfect place to start.
With places available across ten regional locations, there's never been a better opportunity to improve your game, make new friends and experience the first step of the Basketball Victoria Country Pathway.
Registrations are now open.
Secure your place today and join hundreds of young country athletes on court this July.
