Under 7 (U7) 2017 and 2018
This division is for players aged 5 and 6 (kindergarten and grade 1) using the Jr NBA format.
U7 is an introduction to basic basketball skills with an emphasis on fun and developing athletic building blocks. The U7 division takes place one night per week for approximately 45-60 minutes. Kids participate in small sided games that are fun and interactive for each child. The goal is that each child will get as many “touches” with a basketball as possible in a fun-filled practice.
Under 9 (U9) 2015 and 2016
This division is for players aged 7 and 8 (grades 2 and 3).
Each team in U9 has approximately 10 players. Practices are held weekly for individual and team development. Games are also held weekly — however, no score is recorded at this level while the players are learning the ins and outs of playing in a game setting. The basket is set to 8’ high; the games are played 4 on 4 and kept to half-court defense. Emphasis is on man-to-man play with no double-teaming allowed at any time.
Under 11 (U11) 2013 and 2014
This division is for players aged 9 and 10 (grades 4 and 5).
Each team has approximately 10 players. Practices are held weekly for individual and team development. Games are also held weekly and scores are kept for divisional ranking and playoffs. The basket is set to 9’ high; the games are played 4 on 4 and kept to half-court defense. Emphasis is on man-to-man play with no double-teaming allowed at any time.
Under 13 (U13) 2011 and 2012
This division is for players aged 11 and 12 (grades 6 and 7).
Each team has approximately 10 players. Practices are held weekly for individual and team development. Games are also held weekly and scores are kept for divisional ranking and playoffs. The basket is set to 10’ high; the games are played 5 on 5 and full-court press is introduced, usually after the Christmas break.
Under 15 (U15) 2009 and 2010
This division is for players aged 13 and 14 (grades 8 and 9).
Each team has approximately 10 players. Practices are held weekly for individual and team development. Games are also held weekly and scores are kept for divisional ranking and playoffs. The basket is set to 10’ high; the games are played 5 on 5 in a full-size gym with full court press.
Under 18 (U18) 2006, 2007 and 2008
This division is for players aged 15, 16, and 17 (grades 10, 11, and 12).
While the skill level is quite high (with many players having significant basketball experience), the emphasis is still on fun and fair play – like the other divisions. Teams consist of 10 to 12 players and the equal playing time rule is followed even at this level. Games are competitive and fun – just how basketball should be.
Girls Academy (U11) 2012, 2013 and 2014 / (U13) 2010 and 2011
Girls Academy U11 division is for players aged 9, 10 and 11 (grades 4, 5 and 6).
Girls Academy U13 division is for players aged 12 and 13 (grades 7 and 8).
The Girls Academy was created in 2014 as a response to league observation and research indicating that female youth drop out in sports at a higher rate than their male counterparts. NLBA offers the Girls Academy in an attempt to offset some of the reasons. The Academy is a “first step,” with the hope that female registration will increase over time, and keep more girls in sports.
This division meets one night per week for an all-girls practice. The majority of each practice focuses on skill development with an emphasis on active participation using fun and small-sided games to ensure each girl is actively participating throughout. The girls also play on an all-girls team in our regular co-ed league for games.
Metro
This is a select team formed via tryouts in early September. Metro is for those players who want to take their game to the next level and are willing to commit to extra practices as well as extra cost (approximately $300 over the course of the season). There are 2 practices per week and one or two games per week against other Lower Mainland Metro League teams. Travel and tournaments may also be involved.
- There are a set number of spots for North Langley resident players on the NLBA Metro team(s). Teams offered depend on available coaches.
- Metro requires a commitment to attend all practices and all games.
- Note: The U14 boys’ league is only 6-8 weeks so these players are required to also register in the NLBA U15 league.