The U12 development level has separate house leagues for boys and girls ages 10-11, with games and practices. The U12 program offers a safe and fun basketball environment, and concentrates on teaching fundamental basketball skills to players who are new to the sport or are interested in playing recreationally. No previous experience is required.

At the beginning of the season the players are placed on a team of 10-12 players and assigned a coach. Each Saturday the team will either practice for 90 minutes or will play a game against other U12 development teams. At the start of the season the club places more emphasis on practice and team development and will alternate a practice one week and game the following week. Towards the end of the season the club will place more emphasis on games and alternate three weeks of games and one week of practice.

U12 games are 8 shifts of 4 minutes each (stop time), with equal participation, halfcourt person-to-person defence, and no on-ball or off-ball screens on offence (see Club Policies).

The club organizes a Mid-Year Tournament (around Christmas) and a Year-End Tournament.

The club also hosts Open Skill Sessions for U12 development players, with separate boys and girls sessions held once a week on a weeknight. Skill sessions are an optional, extra opportunity offered by the club to help players further develop their skills, and are led by one of the club technical coaches.

When establishing U12 teams, the NBBA has a policy of ensuring that teams are evenly balanced, ensuring the best playing experience for players. The NBBA is therefore unable to take friend, car-pooling or playing time/location requests.

U12 sessions are held on Saturdays at schools in Barrhaven (or Nepean generally). Each session is 90 minutes long. The season runs from late September/early October until the end of March. Gym allocations may change from season to season.

Volunteers are essential. See Volunteer, including a link to the Coaching Volunteer Form for 2024-25.

Questions about the girls or boys U12 development program can be emailed to Susan Enns (VP Girls Development) or Marianne Leclair (VP Boys Development).