Join Birmingham’s leading basketball development programme!
The City of Birmingham Rockets are now accepting registrations for the 2026/27 Junior National League trials, the only official pathway into the club’s performance programme.
The only way to play for the City of Birmingham Rockets or be part of our competitive programme is through successful attendance and selection at official club trials.
Founded in 2003, the Rockets have over 20 years of continuous player development, supporting athletes from grassroots level through to senior National League competition. Many former players have progressed into university scholarships, national team environments, and professional opportunities across the UK, Europe, and the United States.
The club operates independently and provides a structured, performance-led pathway representing Birmingham across all levels of national competition.
OUR PLAYER PATHWAY
Development Pathway
- Players currently in Year 2 → September 2026 Year 3 → U9 Level 1 (3×3 Mixed Basketball)
- Players currently in Year 3 → September 2026 Year 4 → U9 Level 2 (3×3 Mixed Basketball)
- Players currently in Year 4 → September 2026 Year 5 → U11 Level 1 (4×4 Mixed Basketball)
- Players currently in Year 5 → September 2026 Year 6 → U11 Level 2 (4×4 Mixed Basketball)
National League Pathway
- Players currently in Year 6 → September 2026 Year 7 → U12 National League
- Players currently in Year 7 → September 2026 Year 8 → U13 National League
- Players currently in Year 8 → September 2026 Year 9 → U14 National League
- Players currently in Year 9 → September 2026 Year 10 → U16 National League
- Players currently in Year 10 → September 2026 Year 11 → U16 Second Year Group
Senior Pathway
- Players currently in Year 11 → September 2026 Year 12 → U18 National League
- Players currently in Year 12 → September 2026 Year 13 → U18 / College Pathway
COMPETITION STRUCTURE
All players selected into National League teams compete within the official Basketball England structure.
Players are placed into:
- Conference Level (development / first-year players)
- Premier Level (advanced/second-year players)
The club holds Premier League level entries at Under 14 Boys, Under 14 Girls, Under 16 Boys, Under 16 Girls and Under 18 Men. The most of any club in the West Midlands.
Player placement is based on school year, ability, experience, and performance. Movement between levels is possible following coaching assessment.
TRIAL STRUCTURE
Stage 1 – Open Trials
All registered players attend their scheduled session and are assessed on skill level, game understanding, attitude, and potential.
Stage 2 – Invitation-Only Trials
Selected players are invited to a second session for further assessment in a more competitive environment. Only invited players may attend.
Final Selection
Final team selections are made after Stage 2. Training begins from 1 June 2026.
All decisions are made by the coaching staff.
LATE TRIALISTS
If a player is unable to attend their scheduled trial, they must register via the “Late Trialists 26/27 Season”option.
This does not guarantee a trial opportunity but allows the club to assess availability for possible additional sessions.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Trial fee: £4 per session
- Registration is required in advance
- No walk-ins allowed
- Unregistered players will not be permitted to take part
- Stage 2 is strictly invitation-only
- Players must attend the correct school year group
- Incorrect registrations will not be accepted
The City of Birmingham Rockets provide a structured, performance-led pathway from grassroots to senior basketball. The programme ensures players are developed in the correct environment with clear progression opportunities within the National League system.
Rockets Juniors who represented the club during the 2025/26 season as part of one of our performance teams will be sent a separate registration link for their trials, which will commence after the conclusion of these public tryouts. 2025/26 players are not required to attend the dates below:
All players must register in advance of these trials. If you show up on the day unregistered, you will not be able to trial. Please see below for the full trial schedule.
Please click here to register for a trial!
Birmingham Rockets Trials for new players only (school years as from September 2026)
Current and newly selected players from weekend 23rd/24th for final selection (Invite Only)
