Bournemouth Seahawks Trials
As with all things, there has to be a limit on how many players we can accept into our program.
To keep numbers safe, but also to be able to deliver a full, personalised and individual experience for all we limit sessions to 20 players per age.
As our program has grown, we have found we are now oversubscribed and have to turn people away, and to be the most competitive we can be, we decided to run Trials.
At the end of Summer Term, after exams, we run Try-Outs as unofficial "get to know us" sessions, Free of Charge, just let us know your plannign to attend, with full Trials run during the first weeks of September.
2024-25 Season
Trials will run in the last weeks of August and first weeks of September.
Although players are welcome to attend all of the sessions, we understand that this is a busy time of the year. We would expect New players to attend at least 3 of the Trial sessions. Returning players should attend at least two 2 sessions.
The Coaches will make their final decisions on late September (date to be finalised). After this date it is more than likely that all positions will be filled and no new players can try-out.
For players that are unsuccessful, we try to provide feedback, and discuss with each parent/player if they would like to be kept on the mailing list. In the unfortunate event of a long-term injury, (or unlikely event somebody leaves) a place may become available. We can also keep players on the mailing list for future sessions, as well as open Basketball Camps, and events.
What We are Looking For....
We have 4 age catagories, U12, U14, U16 and U18 [School Years 6 - 13] and our "Senior" squad and accept both male and female athletes.
Commitment to the Seahawks is key. Players are expected to attend 90% of sessions (Mon & Thurs) throughout the season, Injury and illness aside and we can discuss other commitments as needed.
If you have never played basketball before, you may find trials and early sessions difficult, BUT Coaches are trained to spot raw talent and skill, alongside coordination, athleticism and a willingness to learn, EVERY SKILL CAN BE TAUGHT. We encourage all players to come and give it a go.
At U12 (Yrs 6&7) we are not looking for smooth finished products. We understand that basketball is rarely on the school curriculum and that it is likely they have found the sport themselves and have been learning from watching videos etc. So we are looking for a basic skill set, dribbling, passing, layups and shooting would be useful, but can be taught. More importantly we are looking for enthusiastic players, with a will and want to listen and learn and get involved in a team environment.
U14 (Yrs 8&9) We looking for a wider grasp of the basic skills with some dribbling and ball handling skills, confidence with some layups and shooting, and a minor understanding of the game along with good team play. Athleticism and general good health are encouraged. Again we are looking for that enthusiasm for the game and joining the team.
U16 (Yrs 10&11) will have a good grasp of basketball skills, shooting, dribbling, defence, good team play and beyond. Players should be looking to push their competitive basketball to the next level. Often at this age players are balancing other sports that are on the PE curriculum at schools (Football, Rugby...) and we fully accept and encourage that. But at this age we are expecting that little bit more commitment and mainly passion for the game. Players should be pushing for Senior League minutes.
U18 (Yrs 12&13) Our U18 squad will be playing local league Junior DBA basketball, but we we are now expanding into slightly older ages to bolster our Senior squad. Our ethos is still to develop youth talent and working with children and the majority of this squad will be Under 18, with selections made to roster a full team, and then spare spaces filled by players who have recently graduated, or at University.
To Register your interest, Contact us Here:
Or email: info@bournemouthseahawks.com