Expressions of Interest requested for U16 & U18 All-Ireland League

Basketball Ireland is inviting expressions of interest from clubs wishing to participate in the 2026/27 U16 & U18 All-Ireland League for both boys and girls.

Please note that submitting an expression of interest does not guarantee entry, as each competition is limited to 16 teams. A maximum of 16 teams will be selected for each of the following competitions:

• U16 Girls
• U16 Boys
• U18 Girls
• U18 Boys

Team Selection

Teams will be selected based on a number of factors, including but not limited to:

1. Performances in the relevant age group over recent seasons.
2. The club's overall participation and performance in Basketball Ireland National Competitions.
3. The club's previous participation record, including any withdrawals or walkovers in recent seasons.

While previous withdrawals or walkovers will be taken into consideration, they will not automatically exclude a club from selection.

Competition Format

As with last season, each competition will consist of three group days, with every team playing two games on each group day. Host venues must be capable of staging four games (8-minute quarters).

Host club responsibilities:

• Provide the venue.
• Provide table officials for all games.
• Pay referee fees on the day.

Basketball Ireland will:

• Appoint all referees.
• Provide a hosting fee to the host club.

Club Commitment

Clubs entering these competitions are expected to commit fully to all scheduled fixtures. Withdrawals after the competition fixtures have been published may impact future participation in Basketball Ireland National Competitions. Two host clubs will be required for each competition on each group day.

Competition Dates

U16 Boys

• Sunday 15th November
• Saturday 19th December
• Sunday 14 February

U16 Girls

• Sunday 15 November
• Saturday 19 December
• Sunday 14th February

U18 Boys

• Sunday 4th October
• Sunday 8th November
• Sunday 20th December

U18 Girls

• Sunday 4th October
• Sunday 1st November
• Sunday 20th December

How to Apply

If your club wishes to participate in one or more of these competitions, please submit an expression of interest to Daire Murray (dmurray@ireland.basketball) no later than Monday, 31 August 2026.

Please include:

1. Competition Category (U16 Boys, U16 Girls, U18 Boys or U18 Girls)
2. Team Name
3. Contact Person
4. Contact Email
5. Contact Telephone Number
6. Whether your club is available to host one of the group days

We look forward to receiving your expression of interest and another exciting season of All-Ireland underage basketball.