U11 DIVISION (Travel Team)
U11 is the first level in our travel program where players are separated into boys’ and girls’ teams, and introduced to tiered team placement based on skill level. Our U11 teams compete in the Calgary Minor Basketball Association (CMBA) league, providing athletes with their first experience in a more competitive, structured environment.
Players are evaluated through an NBA-style combine, along with gameplay assessments. We also use an advanced AI tool to support fair and objective team placement.
At this stage, the focus is on building strong fundamentals, court awareness, and teamwork, while giving players the opportunity to develop alongside peers of similar ability. Games are played in Calgary and surrounding areas, and practices emphasize skill development in a positive, encouraging setting.
| Ages | Designed for 10-year-olds, with tryout opportunities available for skilled 9-year-olds. |
| Birth Years | Birth Year: Players born in 2015 are eligible to participate in U11 for the 2025-2026 season. Age Rule: Per CMBA Rules, Section 4.5, players must be 11 years old or younger as of December 31, 2025. 2016 Born Players: May request to try out for U11. Must be selected through evaluations and make a travel team. Must be willing to travel to Calgary for all league games. |
| Program | Development and competitive |
| Team Structure | Separate male and female teams; teams are formed based on skill |
| Season | Mid-October - End of February-Early March |
| Practices | (1) 1hour 30mins practice per week in the Airdrie area |
| Games | Games anywhere in Calgary on Saturdays |
| Cost | $475 |
| Evaluations | Yes |
| Volunteer Deposit | $250 |
AMBA is proud to be a member of Alberta Basketball Association and Canada Basketball Association. Your registration includes access to the Jr. NBA program, and a combined membership fee of $27.00 will be collected at registration to cover provincial and national association fees, including liability insurance.
Team Formation
U11 teams are formed with the goal of creating balanced, competitive, and development-focused groups. The AMBA Team Formation Committee places each player where they will have the best opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute.
We do not accept requests for players to be placed on specific teams or with specific team mates. This ensures fairness and supports the overall development of all athletes across the program.
Teams are grouped by similar skill levels to provide a positive, challenging, and fun season. We encourage families to focus on personal growth rather than the division level assigned.
Games
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All U11 games are played in Calgary, as part of the Calgary Minor Basketball Association (CMBA) league.
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Game locations are scheduled by CMBA and may be in any quadrant of the city.
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Important CMBA game dates can be found on the Season and Program Information page.
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U11 games follow a modified ruleset to ensure equal playing time. Learn more about our 3-Min Shift Games here.
Practices
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AMBA strives to schedule all practices in Airdrie. However, depending on gym availability, nearby locations such as Crossfield and Balzac may also be used.
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Practice days are determined by coach and school availability and may vary from season to season.
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Once set, practice nights are kept as consistent as possible for each team. However, due to gym scheduling needs, times and locations may occasionally change—please check the weekly practice schedule regularly.
