Jr. Braves 25/26 Tryouts Information and registration

Age Groups
The Jr. Braves program runs for boys and girls from under 12s to under 18s.

Athlete age groups run on the calendar year of birth, see below.

2015-2016 - Under 12s
2013-2014 - Under 14s
2011-2012 - Under 16s
2009-2010 - Under 18s

note - for 2017 athletes please see the link https://bendigobraves.majestri.com.au/under-10-academy-expression-of-interest

Tryout Dates & Format - no spectators
Athletes must attend a minimum number of 1 tryout sessions to be selected and are strongly encouraged to attend all tryout sessions to provide themselves the best possible chance of selection.

The 3 phase format process is to ensure that each athlete has the best opportunity to showcase their skills and abilities.

Any athletes coming from external VJBL associations will need to seek permission to train from their current associations in writing. This is not the VJBL permission to train, an email will suffice.

All tryout sessions will be closed to the public, only approved coaches, and administration staff will be able to enter the tryout sessions. For any athletes that are anxious around this, please let us know at the sign in desk and we’ll do our best to assist in the situation.

Phase 1 10th of August, 1 week
for newcomers and the unselected from the 2024/2025 season. Athletes will receive an email to inform them if they will or will not be progressing to phase 2.

Phase 2 17th & 24th of August, 2 weeks
all age groups, for those progressing from phase 1 and Junior Braves athletes that were selected in a team for the 2024/25 season. Athletes will receive an email to inform them if they will or will not be progressing to phase 3.

Phase 3 31st of August, 1 week
all age groups for those who have progressed from phase 2. At the end of this stage the top 20 athletes will be named for U14s, U16s & U18s. All U12 teams will be named, and teams 3 and below for U14s, U16s & U18s.

Teams 1 & 2 Final Selections 5th of October, 1 day
Top 20 athletes will participate in an official VJBL selection tryout. This is a requirement from the VJBL to maintain consistency across the associations.

Attending as many sessions as you can will increase your chances of demonstrating your abilities. However, if you are unavailable to make any of the sessions, please complete the link below to notify the Director of Coaching and Athlete Development.
https://forms.monday.com/forms/83bb686ac55a3384d536a90a89935648?r=use1


Commitment to the Squad
Athletes across all under 12s, and 2, 3, or 4, teams for all other age groups will compete in the tournament season.

The season commitment is similar to:
1x training 2hr training session a week. (Sunday likely)
1x domestic game each week
5x compulsory tournaments

Athletes selected for team 1 under 12s is the same as above, but with 1 additional compulsory tournament - Victorian Country Champs.

Athletes selected in 1st teams for the under 14s, under 16s and under 18s age groups, will compete in the VJBL season, which starts in November and ends in September with breaks over the school holidays.

This season commitment is similar to:
2x training sessions a week (2hr Sunday season and 1 & 1/2hrs mid-week.)
3x compulsory tournaments
1x Friday night VJBL game each week. Although traveling to Melbourne or surrounding suburbs is not every week, many late nights will happen over the season.

Fitness testing will be done 3 times over the program period. It is a requirement that athletes attended the same as training and games. The first session for La Trobe fitness testing will be conducted the 12th of October, with the other 2 sessions to be confirmed. More details to come.



Team Structure
Teams are made of 10 athletes, 2 coaches and 1 team manager.
Team managers are more often than not a parent who has been asked by the head coach. Team managers can not be selected until the teams are completed.

Although this is never set in stone, the standard available teams to be selected for are below. Additional teams are based off talent pool, coaching staff and other factors.

Under 12s
Team 1, Team 2, Team 3

Under 14s
Team 1, Team 2, Team 3

Under 16s
Team 1, Team 2, Team 3

Under 18s
Team 1, Team 2

All under 12s, and teams 2 & 3 for each age group will compete in the tournament season
Under 14s, 16s, 18s, will compete in some tournaments and play in the VJBL season.

For the season 2024/2025, the Jr. Braves had 30 teams across 4 age divisions.
Under 12s - 8
Under 14s - 9
Under 16s - 7
Under 18s - 6



Season Fees
2025/2026 Season
Thanks to expanded fundraising opportunities, we’re pleased to offer a reduced fee structure this year:
- Tournament Teams: $930.00
- VJBL Teams: $910.00

note- VJBL athletes will need to source a sponsor estimated to be $580.00 to assist the VJBL program.

Payment Schedule - Club Fees
Season fees can be paid in instalments on the following dates:
- 15th October: $350.00
- 14th January: $350.00
- 2nd March: $230.00


Important Notes

-Reminders will be sent one week prior to each due date.
-Payments are made directly to the Club via Majestri
-All payments are non-refundable once paid
-No pay means no play.


Questions
If you have any concerns or questions, please reach out to us basketballpathways@bendigostadium.com.au