Bendigo is set to host the next wave of up-coming young talent as preparation for the 2025 Foot Locker Under-16 National Championship heats up.
Bendigo’s Red Energy Arena will play host to the best under-16 talent in Australia. The week-long tournament will run from July 5th to the 13th.
The states and territories participating include: New South Wales Country, New South Wales Metro, Queensland South, Queensland North, Victoria Country, Victoria Metro, South Australia Country, South Australia Metro, Western Australia Country, Western Australia Metro, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory.
Over the years the U16 National Championships has been a platform for young players to make their mark and be identified by selectors and coaches as the next wave of talent to take over national tournaments with many current NBA, NBL and international stars first stepping foot in the U16 Nationals.
Some of Australia’s most successful stars that have played in the U16 National Championships are Dante Exum, Maddison Rocci, Luke Travers, Jade Melbourne and Ben Simmons.
Boasting a proud history, the U16 National Championships dates back to 1955 when the tournament first began for the men’s competition and then opened for the women in 1971.
Currently, the reigning champs of the women's fixture are Queensland South, whilst the men’s competition has been dominated by the three-peating Victoria Metro who have won four of the last five championships.
Last Five Years Recap:
- Boys: VIC Metro (2024), VIC Metro (2023), VIC Metro (2022), QLD South (2021), VIC Metro (2019)
- Girls: QLD South (2024), SA Metro (2023), NSW Metro (2022), QLD South (2021), VIC Metro (2019)
This tournament will be the third junior pathway event of the Basketball Australia calendar year, following the completion of both the U20 & Ivor Burge Championships and U18 National Junior Wheelchair Championships, which took place in February and April this year.
For those that can’t attend but wish to follow all the action from Bendigo, KommunityTV will host the live streams of the tournament.
| Key Dates: |
| Saturday 5th July - Media & Training Day | Opening Ceremony Pool Games Commence |
| Sunday 6th July - Pool Games |
| Monday 7th July - Pool Games |
| Tuesday 8th July - Pool Games |
| Wednesday 9th July - Pool Games |
| Thursday 10th July - Pool Games |
| Friday 11th July - Quarter Finals & Classifications |
| Saturday 12th July - Semi Finals & Classifications |
| Sunday 13th July - Grand Final and Play-Offs | Closing Ceremony (TBC) |
📅 Fixtures for Championships are now available here.
🎟️ Tickets for all matches at Red Energy Arena are now available here.
Head to BA Competitions for more.
