Mini Ball is the entry-level basketball program for younger kids (U7, U9 and U11). Played on Saturday mornings, Mini Ball focuses on fun, confidence and skill development in a supportive environment. Players are introduced to dribbling, passing, shooting, teamwork and basic game play, with games played on smaller courts using smaller balls and simplified rules — making it the perfect introduction to basketball and a pathway into junior competitions and development programs.

Mini Ball is open to boys and girls in the U7, U9 and U11 age groups, including children who are new to basketball or still developing their skills. No prior experience is required — Mini Ball is designed to be a welcoming, supportive introduction to the game.

NEW in Term 1: An all-girls Mini Ball competition will be launching on Saturday mornings.

For more information, visit:

https://sutherlandbasketball.com.au/saturday-pinkball-league

No. Players do not need to be enrolled in a Sharks Learn to Play program to join Mini Ball. Mini Ball is open to all eligible players, whether they are new to basketball or already developing their skills.

However, Learn to Play programs can be a great way to build confidence and fundamentals alongside Mini Ball, especially for newer players.

Mini Ball is played on Saturday mornings during the school term. Games run across the term, with schedules designed to suit younger players and families.

Exact game times and season dates are confirmed prior to each term.

• U7 players: $10 per week, paid by the term

• U9 & U11: $700 per team

➡️ Sharks competition reversible singlet: $35

(Only required if you do not already own one or your team does not have its own singlets)

2. Basketball NSW Annual Registration Fee

All players must hold a valid Basketball NSW (BNSW) registration to participate.

This covers player insurance for 12 months and is paid once per year, not per term.

Current BNSW rates:

• ➡️ U8: $60 per year

• ➡️ Ages 8–11: $95 per year

If your child already has a current BNSW membership from another program or previous season, you will not need to pay again until it expires.

• No payment is required before the competition begins.

• Families will receive an invoice via email after Week 1 for the Term 1 competition fee.

• BNSW registration is paid online when completing or renewing your membership on the members portal on our website (separate to the SDBA invoice). CLICK HERE to login to the dashboard to pay your registration

Registering as an individual (no team):

Players without a team can register by completing our online Want to Play form.

✔ Complete the form here:

https://sutherlandbasketball.com.au/want-to-play/

Once submitted, our team will be in touch with next steps prior to the first session.

Nominating a team:

Teams can be nominated by one parent or team manager via the Sharks Members Portal.

✔ Log in here:

https://sutherlandbasketball.com.au/members/member#

Then select Team Nominations and follow the prompts.

• Water bottle

• Comfortable sports clothing

• Sharks competition reversible singlet or team singlet

• Runners/basketball shoes

Mini Ball draws are available through the Sharks Members Portal.

✔ View the draw here:

https://sutherlandbasketball.com.au/members/member#/draw

Select Summer or Winter from the drop-down menu, then look for the Mini Ball draw for the corresponding term.