Newfoundland Labrador Basketball Association: Programs

2026-27 NLBA Jr NBA Programs

Winter Registration now open!!

The NLBA is excited to once again offer the Jr. NBA program at the Newfoundland & Labrador Sports Centre (NLSC) for the 2026–27 season!


This year, we’re adding an exciting new element to the traditional Jr. NBA experience by introducing athletes to STEM — Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics — and how these concepts are connected to the game of basketball.


Athletes will still enjoy everything that makes Jr. NBA fun: small-sided games, skill development, teamwork and plenty of time playing basketball. The difference? We’re going to help them understand a little more about why we do what we do!


Every other week, sessions will include age-appropriate STEM concepts connected directly to basketball. Athletes will explore the science and mechanics behind skills such as shooting, passing, dribbling, movement, balance and more.


The goal is simple: keep kids active, make basketball fun, and encourage curiosity and learning along the way.


No previous basketball or STEM experience is required — just come ready to play, learn and have fun!


If you have multiple little ballers you can get $50 off the additional registrations by emailing nlbainfo@sportnl.ca and requesting the details on how to register the additional participants.

Register Here

NLBA is proud to support the Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA Youth Basketball Program across Newfoundland and Labrador — 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, and additional resources
  • Dri-fit shirt and Fox 40 whistle
  • Provincial and national membership and liability insurance

 

Benefits for Host Organizations

·     A comprehensive, adaptable, and proven program aligned with the LTAD Model

  • Endorsement from NBA Canada, Canada Basketball, PTSOs, and Sport Canada
  • JNYB Operations Manual and support from JNYB and PTSO staff
  • Coach training through the NCCP FUNdamentals Workshop
  • Player Package including reversible jersey, basketball, headband, certificate, and Jr NBA sticker sheet
  • Use of the JNYB name, marks, logos, images, and marketing materials
  • No start-up fee and affordable registration for players and coaches

 

Now Recruiting Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA Program Hosts

Canada Basketball and NLBA are excited to begin preparations for the upcoming Fall 2026 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.

📧 JNYB@basketball.ca  or nlbainfo@sportnl.ca

 

For parents and players:

Find a Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA program near you at https://www.jrnba.ca/the-program/find-a-program

 

For more information visit jrnba.ca