Established in 2025, the NBL1 Pathway Program was created to provide a stepping stone for our junior athletes aspiring to transition into the NBL1 environment.

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PROGRAM DETAILS

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The program begins with an induction camp for the 2026 cycle and continues throughout the year with weekly strength training and on‑court development sessions delivered by our dedicated pathway coaching team.

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'Black and Red Game'

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As part of the induction camp, we host a 'Black and Red Game' where athletes are split into even teams and participate in showcase games against each other in a community event that is open to all members of the club. Details for this year are as follows: 

 

Thursday 23rd of April 2026 

6:30pm: Boys game 

7:30pm: Girls game ​

 

One of the key features of the 2025 program was the introduction of the Development League. Selected athletes from the Pathway Program competed in these showcase games, facing visiting teams as curtain‑raisers to our NBL1 home fixtures. The fast‑paced, engaging seven‑minute quarters followed by an Elam Ending (first to the target score) proved extremely popular. Feedback from participating clubs has been outstanding, and we are thrilled to expand the league in 2026 to include some home‑and‑away games. A special thank‑you to Southern, Norwood, and Sturt, who have already committed to being part of this growth.

 

Athletes are selected for the Pathway Program based on a range of criteria assessed by age‑group coaches, NBL1 coaches, and the junior operations team. Importantly, selections are reviewed annually. Previous inclusion in the program does not guarantee future selection. This ensures the process remains fair, competitive, and accessible to athletes who may not have been chosen in the current intake.

 

For more information on the selection process, see the below document. 

 

Pathway into the NBL1 program does not come exclusively with inclusion in the Pathway Program. See here for our Bearcats NBL1 Pathway criteria. 

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Any questions please email: JDO@westbearcats.net.

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