Travel Team · CMBA League · Platinum & Diamond

U18 Division

Born 2009 – 2011 · Ages 15–17

The U18 program is the pinnacle of AMBA’s 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.

Season Structure

Boys & Girls Seasons

BOYS

Two Seasons Available

Fall Season

September – December

Open to all ability levels — from Platinum League (club-style) to recreational. Includes 8 weeks of play, playoffs, and an opportunity to attend U18 Youth Provincials in March. Evaluations required.

Winter Season

December – March

For players who did not make their high school team or wish to play recreationally. Season runs subject to sufficient registration numbers. Evaluations may apply.

GIRLS

Fall Season Only

Fall Season

September – December

Girls compete in the CMBA Diamond League for club-style play under full FIBA rules. Includes 8 weeks of play, playoffs, and an opportunity to attend U18 Youth Provincials in March.

Girls may register directly through CMBA Diamond League →

Winter 3-on-3 (Girls)

CMBA offers a 3-on-3 league for U18 girls in Winter (dates TBD). 5 weeks of play, teams of up to 5 players. League fee: $600 per team + jersey costs if required. Email registration@airdriebasketball.ca with your roster to register.

Program Details

Quick Facts

Ages	15 – 17 years old
Birth Years	2009–2011 born, or any player currently in high school. Per CMBA Rules (Section 4.5), players must not be older than 18 as of September 1 of the following year.
Program	Development and competitive (Platinum League & Diamond League)
Team Structure	Separate male and female teams; placement based on skill level
Season (Boys)	Fall: September – December \| Winter: December – March (subject to registration)
Season (Girls)	Fall only: September – December. Winter 3-on-3 available separately through CMBA.
Practices	1 × 90-minute practice per week in the Airdrie area
Games	2 games per day, bi-weekly on Saturdays anywhere in Calgary
Cost — Fall	$350.00 — Boys & Girls
Cost — Winter	$350.00 — Boys only (players who paid in Fall do not pay the $27 ABA membership again)
Evaluations	Fall: Yes \| Winter: Depending on registration numbers
Volunteer Deposit	$100.00
Jersey Deposit & Rental	$55.00 rental fee + $100.00 deposit (pre-authorization only — charged only if jersey is not returned)

Alberta Basketball & Canada Basketball Membership

AMBA is a member of Alberta Basketball and Canada Basketball Associations. A combined membership fee of $27.00 will be collected at registration. Players who registered and paid in the Fall season do not pay this fee again for Winter.

Canada Basketball & Alberta Basketball Verified

League Format

Platinum & Diamond League

Boys — Platinum League

CMBA’s Platinum League offers club-style play under full FIBA rules. Boys’ eligibility is determined through evaluations.

The fall season includes 8 weeks of regular gameplay, 2 playoff weekends, and an opportunity to attend U18 Youth Provincials in March. Teams practice at least once per week and games are officiated by CMBA officials.

Girls — Diamond League

Girls compete in CMBA’s Diamond League for club-style play under full FIBA rules. The fall season also includes 8 weeks of regular play, playoffs, and Provincials eligibility.

Girls may register directly through CMBA Diamond League →

Important Notes

Team Formation & Grade 10 Consideration

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.

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 (but not SV) — check with your school for details.

Players should assess their ability to commit to both. Refunds are not provided if leaving AMBA due to high school commitments. If a team folds, remaining players receive a pro-rated refund per AMBA’s Refund Policy.

Scheduling

Games & Practices

Games

Bi-weekly Saturdays, 2 games per day anywhere in Calgary. Scheduled by CMBA, not AMBA. Check the Season & Program Info page for key dates.

Practices

Primarily in Airdrie. Occasional use of nearby facilities in Crossfield or Balzac. Days and times depend on coach and school availability.

Stay Informed

Practice nights are kept as consistent as possible but may vary. Check the weekly schedule regularly for any updates or changes.

2026 – 2027 Season

Ready to Join U18?