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9 January 2026  3 min read

Aspire U11 3x3 Festivals - player nominations open, coaches and support staff required

The new U11 age group extends the first stage of Basketball England’s Talent Pathway, engaging players from age eight to 15, with the long-term objective of supporting progression towards England and Great Britain representation. The programme is supported by FIBA’s Youth Development Fund.

BE will deliver an 'U11 3x3 Festival' in each of the organisation's 10 regions and is seeking player nominations, coaches and support staff to deliver the programme.

Basketball England 3x3 Development Manager Meehra Gorasia said:

“3x3 is the ideal introduction for young players, offering constant involvement, more touches and greater decision-making in a fun, supportive environment. Aspire U11s will help develop confident, creative players while laying the foundations for future England and GB stars.”

Aspire U11s: Purpose

• Introduce young players to 3x3 principles in a fun, engaging environment
• Support skill development, teamwork and game awareness
• Identify potential without pressure, selection bias or early exclusion

Outcomes of the U11s 3x3 Festival

Participants will:

• Enjoy a positive, inclusive basketball experience
• Improve fundamental skills (ball handling, passing, shooting)
• Develop a basic understanding of spacing and movement
• Be observed in line with Basketball England’s Player Development Framework

Aspire U11s is not...

• A replacement for 5v5 basketball
• Early specialisation
• A focus on winning 3x3 competitions
• Complex tactics or advanced plays
• Performance pressure or physical overload
• Selection of national 3x3 teams at young ages

Get involved

Basketball England is seeking player nominations, coaches and support staff to deliver the programme.

• Player eligibility: Born between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2017
• Nominations close: Friday 16 January 2026

Nominate players

Basketball England is also recruiting Level 2 Club & Community qualified coaches, alongside paid support roles including camp directors, physiotherapists, DJs, announcers, photographers and officials.

Interested applicants should contact their Regional Talent Manager:

• North: Darren Taylor – [email protected]
• South: Dan Petts – [email protected]
• Central: Wayne Brooks – [email protected]
• London: Mike Meister – [email protected]

3x3 Festivals dates and venues

find out more about the talent pathway