The Sturt Sabres Junior District League provides a pathway for players looking to compete at a higher level beyond the Sturt Domestic League. As the most professional and successful junior program in South Australia, Sturt has a proud history of developing players who go on to represent State and National teams.

Led by our highly experienced Basketball Director, Jason Williams, and Junior Development Officer, Katherine McPhail, along with a team of expert coaches, we foster a fun and supportive environment where players can enhance their skills and work towards their goals.

In addition to JDL play, we offer a range of extra programs, including the Athletic Development HPC, High Performance and Emerging Athletes Academy, Shooting Academies, and Skills Camps, all designed to support player growth and performance.

Our commitment is to work with you every step of the way to help you achieve your long-term goals as a player.

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FAQS

The Sturt Domestic League offers an affordable, local, and entry-level alternative to District basketball. With the flexibility to join at any time during the season, it provides a great opportunity for players of all skill levels to get involved with a lower commitment.

In contrast, District basketball is played across Adelaide, requires a greater financial and time commitment, and represents a higher level of competition for those looking to take the next step in their basketball journey.

JDL games are played year-round at local Basketball SA Stadiums, with scheduled breaks for junior teams on the middle weekend of school holidays.

Thursday Nights - U16 Division 3 & below boys & girls - U18 Division 5 & below boys & girls.
Friday Nights - U12 to U18 Division 1 & 2 boys & girls - U18 Division 3 & 4 boys & girls.
Saturday Mornings - All U10 boys & girls teams - U12 to U14 Division 3 & below boys & girls.
JDL State Championships are held in the middle of May each year for U12 to U18 Division 1 & 2 boys & girls only.

All junior teams practice twice a week - on Sunday mornings and a mid-weeknight, which varies by squad and team.

At Sturt, we emphasize the difference between training and practice. Our JDL District teams don’t just train - we practice with purpose, focusing on both short-term improvement and long-term development, helping players grow individually and as part of a team.

Yes, practices are compulsory. They are especially crucial in the lead-up to major events such as the State Championships (May), National Junior Classics (June), JDL Championship Season Finals (August) and U14 Australian Club Championships (October). These sessions play a vital role in preparing teams for success on the big stage.

Junior District League basketball is played year-round, with two main seasons. The JDL Pre-Season (Summer) runs from October to December, with a long break over Christmas and New Year. The JDL Championship Season follows from February to August.

Junior District League games are not scheduled on the middle weekend of school holidays, ensuring players get a well-deserved break.

Yes, many Sturt players have successfully balanced multiple sports, including several who have gone on to play professionally in AFL (with around six currently competing at that level!).

Scheduling arrangements can be discussed with the team coach, Basketball Director, and JDO. However, flexibility is limited leading up to key events such as the State Championships, National Junior Classics, Championship Season Finals, and U14 Australian Club Championships.

When playing JDL Basketball, you are expected to attend two practices per week as part of your commitment to the team.

Fees cover the major cost to the club, which is weekly practice venues, as well as supporting the administrative structure of the club. For all enquires regarding fees, please contact finance on finance@sturtsabres.com.au.

The 3 required items for a district player are the Playing Singlet, Playing Shorts, Reversible Training Top, and Sturt socks (light blue or white). There are many other optional uniform items – check them out in our online store.

https://blackchrome.com.au/shop/sturt-sabres-basketball-club

Sample sizing’s for singlets, shorts, polo shirts and soft-shell jackets are available to try at the club office at Pro Bitumen Stadium during office hours. This is also where a playing number can be arranged. Uniforms are then ordered (where sizing charts are also available) through Sturt’s BLACKCHROME online store. These are made to order and delivered to the players house within 4-5 weeks of the 15th and 30th of each month, so they can take up to 6 weeks in total

Sturt holds external trials every August/September in preparation for the summer season. If you're interested outside of this period, feel free to reach out - opportunities can arise at different times. Just fill out the EOI below to register interest.

https://form.jotform.com/232198855556066

There is always the option to start with Domestic basketball at Sturt, where strong performers may be invited to District practices with the potential to join a District team.

For players aspiring to compete at a higher level, Sturt offers the most professional and successful junior program in South Australia.

Since 1989, Sturt has been crowned the Champion Junior Club in South Australia an impressive 22 times.

Recognized as one of the top development programs in Australia, Sturt has a proven track record of producing elite athletes. Eight Sturt players have competed at the Olympic Games, with many more representing Australia at both junior and senior levels. The club has a strong tradition of sending players to Canberra’s Australian Institute of Sport / Centre of Excellence, as well as developing athletes who go on to play professionally in the NBL,WNBL and overseas.

Each year, numerous Sturt players are selected to represent South Australia at the Australian Junior Championships.

With approximately 50 junior teams competing in the Basketball South Australia Junior District League Competition, Sturt prioritizes quality over quantity, ensuring that every team receives top tier coaching and support. Our program is widely regarded as the best in South Australia, providing players with the best possible pathway to success.

Please contact us for more information by email or phone during office hours

Email - district@sturtsabres.com.au

Phone - 0447 441 180

Office hours

Monday - Office closed
Tuesday - 9am- 5pm
Wednesday - Office closed
Thursday - Appointment only
Friday - 9am - 12pm and 1:30pm - 5pm
Saturday - 10am - 12pm appointment only

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