ELITE BASKETBALL YOUTH LEAGUE
BOYS & GIRLS, AGES 10-19
Our Elite Youth Basketball League is Bahrain’s only inclusive, structured house league designed for boys and girls ages 10 to 19. We welcome players of all skill levels: from beginners learning the game to advanced athletes looking to compete in a fun, supportive environment where development and competition go hand in hand. Games are organized by age, gender, and skill level to ensure balanced matchups and a positive experience for every player.
All games are held in state-of-the-art gymnasium at the American School of Bahrain in Riffa, taking place on Wednesday and Saturday evenings, with each game running one hour. We operate on a two-season schedule: Fall and Spring, giving young athletes multiple opportunities throughout the year to grow, compete, and enjoy the game they love.
U12
ROOKIE
U12 ROOKIE DIVISION
Boys and Girls, 10-12
Our Rookie League is a draft-only basketball program for players ages 10–12 focused on skill-building through real game experience. Players register individually and are placed on balanced teams to ensure fair, competitive, and fun matchups.
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Ages 10–12
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Individual registration only
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Balanced teams built through a player draft
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Emphasis on development, confidence, teamwork, and fun through gameplay
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Two seasons per year:
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Fall: September–December
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Winter/Spring: January–April (closed during Ramadan)
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JR VARSITY
U15
U15 JR VARSITY DIVISION
Boys and Girls, 13-15
Our Jr Varsity League is a draft-only basketball program for players ages 13–15, focused on skill-building and competitive growth through real game experience. Players register individually and are placed on balanced teams to ensure fair, challenging, and fun matchups.
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Ages 13–15
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Individual registration only
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Balanced teams built through a player draft
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Emphasis on development, confidence, teamwork, and fun through gameplay
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Two seasons per year:
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Fall: September–December
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Winter/Spring: January–April (closed during Ramadan)
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U19
VARSITY
U19 VARSITY DIVISION
Boys and Girls, 16-19
Our Varsity League is designed for players ages 16–19 who want to sharpen their game in a competitive, team-based setting. With a focus on development and leadership, players compete weekly in balanced, challenging, and fun matchups.
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Ages 16–19
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Players can register individually to enter the draft, or register as a full team to compete together
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Emphasis on skill refinement, game IQ, teamwork, and fun through gameplay
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Two seasons per year:
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Fall: September–December
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Winter/Spring: January–April (closed during Ramadan)
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
AGES AND CATEGORIES
Programs are open to both boys and girls, with categories and divisions organized based on registration numbers. At the older age levels, players are grouped by gender.
PRACTICE AND CURRICULUM
Practice plans are designed following the USA and Canada Basketball program guides, incorporating the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model as outlined by both organizations.
HOUSE LEAGUE GAME PLAY
Games are scheduled based on each child-athlete’s age, skill level, and developmental stage.
Game durations may vary slightly between age and division categories due to stoppages or timeouts changes at each level.
COACHING PHILOSOPHY
Sports should be fun and foster teamwork, sportsmanship, effort, and positive values. At EBL, we’re committed to providing meaningful opportunities for kids to play, learn, and grow through the game of basketball.
LEAGUE DOCUMENTS AND RESOURCES
#1
Participation Waiver and Media Release
#2
Code of Conduct Player and Parent
#3
Official EBL League Rules by Division
#4
FIBA Basketball Rules Guide
