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4 August 2026  3 min read

Aspire 2026/27: Info for new season and introduction of Aspire Challenge Cup 

The Aspire Programme continues to provide young players with opportunities to develop, compete and progress within the England Talent Pathway.  

The 2026/27 programme will include a range of activities designed to support player development, create meaningful competitive experiences and strengthen connections between clubs, coaches and regional talent activity. 

Aspire Challenge Cup – for players born in 2014 and 2015 

A pilot edition of a new Aspire Challenge Cup will take place between 5-13 September in the Central Region and will be open to teams with players born in 2014 and 2015. Eligibility will be based on year of birth to prepare players for the Talent pathway which leads to FIBA European competition. 

It will be delivered through team registration, rather than individual player nominations. Entry will be open to all teams, including local league teams, with places accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Aspire Cup Sign-Up – Fill out form

Aspire Programme 2026/27 – for players born between 2012 to 2015 

The 2026/27 Aspire Programme will build on the existing programme and will include the Aspire Challenge Cup (Central Region only), trials, 3x3 activity, skills camps and the Inter-Regional Tournament, which is planned for February 2027. 

Aspire athletes from the 2025/26 cycle who are still eligible for the programme (2015 born and younger) will be invited to return through a direct registration process on PlayHQ. New players who have not previously been part of the programme will continue to be able to access the pathway through coach nomination. 

Nomination forms 

Information for clubs and coaches 

Further guidance, including registration details, regional delivery information and confirmed programme dates, together with registration and nomination links will be shared shortly via our Talent page on the Basketball England website. Clubs and coaches are encouraged to review the published information carefully once available and support eligible players and teams to engage with the opportunities on offer. 

Basketball England looks forward to working with clubs, coaches, players and families throughout the 2026/27 Aspire cycle and to supporting the continued development of young athletes across the country. 

Aspire information

Super Region and National All-Stars Tournaments – Spring/Summer 2027 

Aspire Skills programme will lead onto the Super Region programme for selected players for each of the four regions – North, South, Central, and London who will train and prepare for the National All-Star tournaments in Summer 2027.