Warriors Basketball CIC & Warriors Basketball Dev Clubs

1. What is Warriors Basketball? 

Warriors Basketball is a community basketball organisation providing introductory sessions, development clubs, National League basketball, holiday camps and adult opportunities across Hampshire. Our aim is to provide a complete pathway from first experiences through to competitive basketball in a safe, inclusive and enjoyable environment. 

2. Where are you based? 

We operate across several venues including Deer Park Secondary School (Boorley Green), Brookfield Community School (Sarisbury Green), Bay House School (Gosport) and other partner venues as the club continues to grow. 

3. What ages do you cater for? 

Our programmes begin from around five years old through Slam Jam and introductory basketball and continue through junior development, National League, adult basketball and volunteering opportunities. 

4. Do I need previous experience? 

No. Beginners are always welcome and our coaches will help place you in the most appropriate group. 

5. How do I join? 

Complete the enquiry form on the website or contact the club. We will recommend the most suitable session before inviting you to attend. 

6. Can I try before joining? 

In most cases, yes. Subject to availability we offer an introductory session so players can experience the club before committing to membership. 

7. How much does membership cost? 

Players pay an annual club membership together with monthly training subscriptions. Basketball England membership is also required for league participation. 

8. What does the annual membership cover? 

Annual membership contributes towards equipment, first aid provision, coach education, governance, insurance-related administration, club systems and general running costs. 

9. What should I bring? 

Sports clothing, suitable trainers, a drink and a positive attitude. If you have your own basketball, bring it along. 

10. Who coaches the sessions? 

Sessions are delivered by qualified coaches supported by assistant coaches, volunteers and parent helpers where appropriate. 

11. Are coaches DBS checked? 

Anyone working in regulated activity with children completes the appropriate safer recruitment and DBS processes where required. 

12. How do you keep children safe? 

Safeguarding is central to everything we do. The club follows Basketball England safeguarding guidance and has a designated Club Welfare Officer. 

13. Who is the Club Welfare Officer? 

Gemma Selmes is the Club Welfare Officer and can be contacted via welfare@warriorsbasketball.co.uk. 

14. What is National League basketball? 

National League is Basketball England's highest junior club competition. Players are selected through trials and are expected to commit to regular training and fixtures. 

15. Can I play local league and National League? 

Yes. Many players continue to play local basketball alongside National League where it supports their development. 

16. What are Fun & Fundamentals Camps? 

Holiday camps providing enjoyable coaching, games and skill development for children of varying abilities during school holidays. 

17. Can parents watch? 

Parents are welcome to watch unless venue restrictions apply. We ask everyone to follow the club's Codes of Conduct and support all participants positively. 

18. Can parents volunteer? 

Absolutely. We welcome volunteers to help with coaching, team management, table officiating, events, fundraising and administration. 

19. How do I report bullying or safeguarding concerns? 

Speak to a coach, team manager, director or contact the Club Welfare Officer immediately. All concerns are taken seriously and handled appropriately. 

20. Where can I find club policies? 

Our governance policies, handbooks and codes of conduct are available through the Warriors Basketball website. 

20. Where can I find club policies? 

Our governance policies, handbooks and Codes of Conduct are available on the Warriors Basketball website. These include safeguarding, welfare, equality, diversity and inclusion, data protection, anti-bullying, complaints procedures and other important club policies that help ensure a safe, inclusive and well-managed environment for everyone. 

21. Where do you train? 

Warriors Basketball operates across several venues throughout Hampshire, allowing us to provide basketball opportunities to communities across the region. Our current training venues include: 

• Bay House Secondary School, Gosport  

• Meadowside Leisure Centre, Whiteley  

• Brookfield Community School, Sarisbury Green  

• Deer Park Secondary School, Boorley Green  

• YMCA Fareham Manor, Botley Road, Fareham  

• Wildern Leisure Centre, Hedge End  

• Portchester Community School, Portchester  

• New Milton Leisure Centre, New Forest  

The venue you attend will depend on your age group, programme, team and playing pathway. As Warriors Basketball continues to grow, we may introduce additional venues to make basketball more accessible across Hampshire and the surrounding areas. 

Full venue details, training times and any temporary changes are communicated through Spond and published on the Warriors Basketball website. 

22. Which days do teams train? 

Training days vary depending on the programme and age group. Development Clubs generally train once a week, while National League squads often train twice a week during pre-season and throughout the season. 

Training schedules are published before each season and communicated through Spond and the Warriors Basketball website. 

23. Can I attend more than one training session? 

Yes. Many players attend multiple sessions to increase their development. Depending on your age, ability and commitment, you may be invited to train with more than one group or attend additional skills sessions. Coaches will always recommend the most appropriate programme to support your long-term development. 

24. What happens if a training session is cancelled? 

Occasionally, sessions may need to be cancelled because of severe weather, venue issues or circumstances beyond the club's control. 

Members will be notified as early as possible through Spond, WhatsApp and our official social media channels. Wherever possible, we will look to rearrange sessions or provide an alternative venue, although this is not always possible. 

25. How will I know about venue changes? 

Any venue or timetable changes will be communicated through Spond, email, WhatsApp and the club's official social media platforms. 

Please ensure your contact details remain up to date so you receive important notifications. 

26. What are the Warriors Basketball Development Clubs? 

Our Development Clubs provide enjoyable weekly coaching for players learning the game and developing their basketball skills. 

They form an important part of the Warriors Basketball pathway and prepare players for Grassroots Basketball League (GRB League) competition, National League basketball or recreational participation. 

27. Which Development Club should I attend? 

We'll recommend the most suitable club based on your age, experience and home location. Our aim is to minimise travel wherever possible while ensuring players receive coaching appropriate to their stage of development. 

28. Can I move between Development Clubs? 

Yes. 

As players develop, relocate or require a different challenge, they may move between Development Clubs where appropriate. Any transfers are discussed between coaches to ensure they support the player's long-term development and provide the best opportunity for continued progression. 

29. How do players progress through the Warriors Basketball pathway? 

Warriors Basketball provides a complete development pathway for players of all ages and abilities. 

For our youngest players, the journey often begins in Slam Jam or our introductory basketball sessions, where they learn the fundamentals of the game in a fun and supportive environment. 

Players joining at Under 10, Under 12, Under 14 or older will normally enter one of our Development Clubs, regardless of whether they are completely new to basketball or already have previous experience. 

Within our Development Clubs, players receive weekly coaching and, when they are ready and selected by their coaches, begin representing the club in Grassroots Basketball League (GRB League) fixtures. 

As players continue to develop, opportunities may become available to progress into National League basketball, Aspire programmes, additional development opportunities and representative basketball. 

Progression is never based solely on age. Coaches consider attitude, commitment, coachability, teamwork, attendance, effort and overall development when recommending players for the next stage of their basketball journey. 

Our aim is to provide every player with the opportunity to enjoy basketball, improve at their own pace and reach the highest level that is right for them, whether that is recreational basketball, local league competition or National League basketball. 

30. Do you offer girls-only basketball? 

Yes. 

Warriors Basketball is committed to growing the girls' game and provides dedicated girls-only opportunities alongside mixed basketball where appropriate. 

We continue to expand our female pathway through girls' development sessions, National League teams and female coaching opportunities, ensuring girls have a clear route from beginner basketball through to National League competition. 

31. What is National League basketball? 

National League is Basketball England's highest junior club competition. 

It provides a more challenging environment for committed players wishing to compete against strong teams from across the South Region and beyond while continuing their long-term development. 

32. How are National League players selected? 

National League players are selected through an open trial process and ongoing assessment by the coaching staff. 

Trials are normally held during the off-season following the completion of the National League season, typically between May and June each year, although exact dates may vary depending on Basketball England's competition calendar. 

Players are encouraged to register when trials are announced through the Warriors Basketball website and social media channels. Existing Warriors Basketball players, as well as players from other clubs, are welcome to attend. 

Selection considers attitude, coachability, commitment, teamwork, attendance, effort and playing ability rather than performance on a single day. Coaches look for players who demonstrate the values of the Warriors Way both on and off the court. 

Players who are unsuccessful at trials may still be offered opportunities to continue their development within the Warriors Basketball pathway and may be invited to future training sessions or trials as they continue to develop. 

33. What commitment is expected from National League players? 

National League is a significant step up from local league basketball and requires a much greater commitment from both players and their families. 

Players are expected to attend two training sessions each week, commit to regular weekend fixtures and communicate with coaches whenever they are unavailable. Fixtures are generally played on Saturdays, with the National League season typically running from September through to the middle of March, followed by cup competitions and potential playoffs where applicable. 

Travel is also a key part of National League basketball. Fixtures are played across the South Region, meaning away games can involve substantial travel, including destinations such as Cardiff and other areas throughout the South of England. 

National League also carries a significantly higher financial commitment than local league basketball. Fees help cover additional coaching, twice-weekly training, venue hire, Basketball England league entry, referees, table officials, equipment, administration and travel-related costs. As a guide, National League programmes are typically around £95 per month, whereas Development Club programmes are generally around £35 per month, with local league game fees payable only when selected to play. 

National League is designed for players who are committed to developing their game in a highly competitive environment and who are prepared for the additional training, travel and time commitment that comes with competing at this level. 

34. Can I play local league as well as National League? 

Yes. Basketball England regulations allow players to represent a National League team while also playing in local league competitions, subject to the rules of the relevant leagues and clubs. 

Within the Warriors Basketball pathway, selection for our Grassroots Basketball League (GRB League) alongside National League is managed carefully. Invitations are typically offered to players who would benefit most from additional competitive game time, such as: 

• Players who are still developing and gaining experience.  

• National League players who are receiving limited playing time.  

• Players returning from injury who need to rebuild fitness and confidence.  

• Players identified by the coaching staff as benefiting from additional match experience.  

For this reason, playing in both National League and the Warriors GRB League is generally by invitation from the coaching staff, rather than being automatically available to every National League player. 

Players are also free to play local league basketball with other clubs where Basketball England regulations and the individual league or club rules allow. Our priority is always to ensure that players compete at the level most appropriate for their development while managing workloads and maximising opportunities to improve. 

35. What costs are involved with National League? 

National League involves additional costs, including Basketball England registration, coaching, venue hire, officials, travel, league entry fees, equipment, insurance and administration. 

Warriors Basketball works hard to keep fees as affordable as possible while delivering a high-quality programme. Before each season begins, families receive a full breakdown of the programme costs, payment options and what is included within the monthly fees. 

36. What happens if I get injured? 

Player welfare is always our priority. 

If you are injured, please inform your coach as soon as possible. Depending on the nature of the injury, we may recommend rest, medical advice or a gradual return-to-play programme. 

Long-term injuries are considered individually, and we will work with players and families wherever possible to support recovery and a safe return to basketball. 

37. What are Fun & Fundamentals Camps? 

Our Fun & Fundamentals Camps take place during the school holidays and provide exciting basketball activities, games and skill development for children of all abilities. 

Camps focus on learning, confidence, teamwork and, above all, enjoying basketball in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment. 

Players do not need to be Warriors Basketball members to attend. 

38. What are Elite Camps? 

Elite Camps are designed for players looking to challenge themselves further. 

Sessions focus on advanced skill development, decision-making, game understanding and preparing players for higher levels of competition, including National League basketball. 

Elite Camps are open to both Warriors Basketball players and players from other clubs where spaces are available. 

39. Can non-members attend holiday camps? 

Yes. 

Many of our holiday camps are open to both Warriors Basketball members and players from other clubs. 

Booking information, age groups, eligibility and venue details are published before each camp, and everyone is welcome regardless of previous basketball experience unless the camp is specifically advertised as an Elite programme. 

40. What should my child bring to camp? 

Children should bring: 

• Suitable sports clothing  

• Indoor sports trainers  

• A packed lunch (unless otherwise stated)  

• Plenty of drinks or a refillable water bottle  

• Any required medication  

• A positive attitude and enthusiasm to learn  

Where possible, please avoid sending products containing nuts. All personal belongings should be clearly labelled, and players should come prepared for an active, enjoyable day of basketball.