Basketball Ireland launches the return of the Irish Jr. NBA League

Basketball Ireland has today launched the return of the Irish Jr. NBA League, which will tip off in April 2022.

The league will follow the same format as previous years, with ten clubs being selected to partner with local schools. Clubs will be responsible for delivering the Jr. NBA programme locally, before the National Festival of Basketball caps off the programme in May.

Looking ahead to this year’s league, Head of Development at Basketball Ireland, Ciaran O’Sullivan stated: “We are really excited for the return of the Jr. NBA. This is a great non-competitive way for schools to start their journey in basketball and over the first two years of the League we’ve reached over 2,000 new players. This year, we are going to have ten new clubs and thirty new schools, which means there are opportunities for even more children to play in the Jr. NBA."

As part of the league launch, Basketball Ireland is also delighted to confirm that DeCare Dental are returning as sponsor of the League.

Speaking about the partnership, Jr NBA League Manager, Erin Bracken, stated: “We are delighted that DeCare Dental are involved again in the return of our Jr NBA League. DeCare have been a big part of the Jr NBA in Ireland since it began and we’re excited to get back to work with them after the Covid enforced break.”

Maureen Walsh, CEO of DeCare Dental, added; “As corporate partner, DeCare is thrilled to team up with Basketball Ireland and the Jr. NBA on this important journey. This collaboration is a meaningful way to support the values that sport, such as basketball, instil in kids for life. This partnership is the start of something wonderful and we have already experienced the teamwork, fun, overall health and quality of life benefits that this partnership brings to life.”

Any club wishing to take part in the Jr. NBA should contact jrnba@ireland.basketball  expressing their interest in getting involved by Friday, February 28^th. Priority will be given to clubs who have not participated before but all clubs are invited to apply.