Basketball Queensland is pleased to announce the expansion of the Next Gen Program(NGP) for the 2026 cycle, broadening development opportunities for representative athletes across the state. The program will introduce Next Gen 16’s and a series of NextGen Skill Camps, complementing the established pathways for Under 12 and Under 14athletes.

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About the Next Gen Program:

The Next Gen Program is designed to identify the next generation of athletes that could one day represent Queensland while nurturing and developing emerging talent across the state. As the entry point to the BQ player pathway, the program provides Under 12,Under 14, and Under 16 representative athletes with exposure to a high-performance environment and supports them in building the skills and habits required for future progression. The Next Gen Program provides athletes with multiple on-court sessions delivered through targeted camps, supported by off-court education for both athletes and parents. This includes workshops in physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, nutrition, and sports psychology, with parents also receiving access to a dedicated parent presentation. The Next Gen program also plays an important role in talent identification for athletes seeking to advance toward BQ Performance and Pathways Programs in the Next Gen Combine, Future Development Program (FDP) and State Performance Program (SPP).

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Program Expansion in 2026:

Introduction of Next Gen 16’s Beginning in 2026, BQ will offer Next Gen 16’s, targeting athletes born in 2011 and 2012. This extension provides additional development opportunities for Under 16representative athletes and supports their transition into higher-level settings. The program will operate in the second half of Term 2 and the first half of Term 3.Next Gen Skill Camps BQ will also launch Next Gen Skill Camps, delivered during the Term 1 and Term 2school holidays. These camps will be open to Under 12, Under 14, and Under 16representative athletes and will focus on position-specific skill development. Led by BQ coaches, the camps aim to deliver high-quality training environments and additional touch points for athletes seeking to improve their skills.

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2026 Next Gen Cycle Age Groups and Eligibility:

• Next Gen 12’s: Rep athletes born 2015, 2016, 2017 (Term 4)

• Next Gen 14’s: Rep athletes born 2013, 2014 (Term 1)

• Next Gen 16’s: Rep athletes born 2011, 2012 (Term 2–3)2026

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Skill Camp Age Groups and Eligibility:

• Skill Camps - Term 1 Holidays: Athletes born 2015, 2016, 2017, 2013, 2014

• Skill Camps - Term 2 Holidays: Athletes born 2013, 2014, 2011, 2012

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A Growing Pathway for Queensland Athletes:

The expansion of the Next Gen Program reflects BQ’s commitment to supporting athlete development and strengthening the state’s pathways programs. By broadening access across age groups and increasing touchpoints through specialised camps, the 2026NGP cycle will give more athletes the opportunity to learn, grow, and prepare for the future. Basketball Queensland looks forward to welcoming representative athletes and coaches into an exciting new chapter for the Next Gen Program.