U18 DIVISION (Travel Team)
The U18 program is the pinnacle of our youth basketball pathway, catering to athletes ready for high-level competition and advanced skill development. Players will master complex offensive and defensive strategies, enhance physical conditioning, and refine decision-making under pressure.
U18 emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and mental toughness, giving players the experience and confidence to excel both on and off the court. This program prepares athletes for post-secondary, club, or elite-level basketball while fostering a lifelong love for the game.
| Ages | 15-17 years old |
| Birth Years | 2008-2010 (for the 2025-2026 season) CMBA Rules Section 4.5, player must not be older than 18 yrs of age on September 1st of following Year |
| Program | Development and competitive (Platinum League and Diamond League) |
| Team Structure | Separate male and female teams; teams are formed based on skill |
| Season | Fall season is September to mid-November (this is a short season to allows players to play for their high school teams) Winter season is January to February (this season is dependent on number of players interested) |
| Practices | (1) 1 hour 30 minutes practices per week in the Airdrie area |
| Games | Games anywhere in Calgary on Saturdays |
| Cost TBD (2024/2025 shown) | $290 Fall Boys and Girls* $290 Winter Boys |
| Evaluations | Fall Yes - Winter - (depending on registration) |
| Volunteer Deposit | $100 |
Membership & Fees
AMBA are members of Alberta Basketball and Canada Basketball. A combined $27 membership fee will be collected at registration for the year (players who paid in the fall do not pay again).
Grade 10 Consideration
Grade 10 players who make their high school team may continue playing with AMBA. ASAA allows participation in both community and JV programs (not SV)—check with your school for details. Players should assess their ability to commit to both teams. Refunds are not provided if leaving AMBA due to high school commitments. If a team folds due to player departures, remaining players receive a pro-rated refund (see our Refund policy)
U18 Notes - Fall & Winter Seasons
The U18 program is split into Fall and Winter seasons to accommodate high school commitments. CMBA offers Platinum League (boys) and Diamond League (girls) for club-style play under full FIBA rules. Boys’ eligibility is determined during evaluations; girls may register via CMBA. Fall season includes 8 weeks of regular gameplay, 2 weekends of playoffs, and an opportunity to attend U18 Youth Provincials in March. Teams have a coach, practice at least once per week, and games are officiated by CMBA officials following FIBA rules (with minor modifications).
Team Formation
Teams are created based on player skill and evaluation results. The AMBA Team Formation Committee places players where they can learn, grow, and get maximum court time. Requests for specific teams or teammates are not accepted. Teams are grouped by skill for a fun and competitive season.
Games
U18 games are played in Calgary through CMBA and can be in any quadrant of the city. Games are scheduled by CMBA, not AMBA. Important dates are listed on the Season and Program Information page.
Practices
Practices are primarily in Airdrie, with occasional locations in Crossfield or Balzac. Days/times depend on coach and school availability and may change each season. Practice nights are kept as consistent as possible, but schedules may vary—check the weekly schedule regularly.
Winter 3-on-3 - Girls
CMBA offers a 3-on-3 league for U18 girls in Winter 2026 (dates TBD). Five weeks of gameplay with teams of up to 5 players. League fee is $600 per team plus jersey costs if required. To register, email registration@airdriebasketball.ca with your roster.
