The Leicester Riders Foundation has officially confirmed the dates for its upcoming Junior National Basketball League (JNBL) trials, offering young athletes the opportunity to represent one of the country’s leading basketball development programmes next season.
Hosted at the iconic Mattioli Arena, the trials will welcome boys and girls across multiple age groups as the Foundation begins building its squads for the new Junior National Basketball League campaign.
Registration can be made via the Leicester Riders Foundation community page.
A Pathway for the Next Generation
The JNBL programme forms a key part of the Leicester Riders development pathway, providing talented young players with high-level coaching, competitive national fixtures, and a structured environment designed to support both athletic and personal growth.
Each year, the programme attracts aspiring athletes from across the Midlands and beyond, many aiming to take their first step into elite junior basketball competition.
Trial Details
📅 Sunday 3rd May
📍 Mattioli Arena
Registration can be made via the Leicester Riders Foundation community page.
Session Schedule:
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
U12 Boys & U14 Girls - 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
U14 Boys & U16 Girls - 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
U16 Boys
Players are encouraged to arrive early for registration and warm-up ahead of their scheduled session.
Mop-Up Trial Opportunities
Additional mop-up trial dates have also been scheduled for players who are unable to attend the initial trial day.
📅 Tuesday 2nd June – Time TBC
📅 Thursday 4th June – Time TBC
📍 Mattioli Arena
These sessions are open only to players who cannot attend the first round of trials and will be subject to remaining team spaces following initial selections.
Availability within each age group will depend on squad needs, and spaces may be limited. More information on how to book this session will be announced shortly.
Why Join the JNBL Programme?
Participating in the Junior National Basketball League offers young athletes:
- National-level competition against top UK academies
- Professional-standard coaching and training sessions
- A clear development pathway within Leicester Riders basketball
- Opportunities to build confidence, leadership, and lifelong friendships
For many players, the programme represents a significant step toward higher-level basketball opportunities, including academy, collegiate, and senior competition.
Get Involved
Young players interested in joining the Leicester Riders Foundation JNBL teams are encouraged to attend and experience the club’s performance environment firsthand. Whether aiming to compete nationally or simply looking to develop skills in a high-quality programme, the trials provide an exciting opportunity to be part of the Riders family.
