VBDL (information refers to all leagues, grades 5-8)

VABA Mission and League Goals:
The VABA Mission is to build character and shape lives through the game of basketball. Organized and run by the Virginia Basketball Academy the VDBL is set on VABA’s two main goals: SKILL & CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. The VDBL is designed to help young basketball players prepare for life and the relevant possibility of playing high school basketball. As a program of VABA, a recognized 501c3/non-profit organization, the VDBL maintains the same mission and purpose, aiming to serve the extended Charlottesville-Albemarle community by funding scholarships for all interested participants. Donations and sponsorships are vitally important to sustaining our costs and are always welcome! (Apply for a Scholarship) 

Teams/Divisions/Leagues:
Anyone interested in participating should attend TRYOUTS/EVALUATIONS in September (see dates above).  Boys will be placed on a VDBL-Gold roster or a VDBL-Silver roster after the completion of all the tryouts (ALL BOYS, GRADES 5 - 8, WILL BE PLACED ON A TEAM).  Girls will be trying out for one team per age-group (5-6 or 7-8) per mascot (Black Knights, Eagles, Governors, Mustangs, Patriots, Saints, Warriors). 
There are four “divisions” within the VDBL: 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade (two within VDBL-Girls, 5-6 & 7-8). All teams, comprised of 10 players each (chosen through try-outs), are divided based on the high school the players would (eventually) be attending. The VDBL is not run directly by the schools, the high schools, or their athletic directors and coaches. It has been designed with their knowledge, input, consent and support. Local high schools stand to benefit from the development of their future athletes therefore they are very supportive and excited about the VDBL and its approach! All games and practices will be taking place at the projected high school or middle school. Participating schools include Albemarle HS, Charlottesville Catholic, Charlottesville HS, Covenant, Fluvanna County HS, Greene County HS, Louisa County HS, Monticello HS, Nelson County HS, St. Anne's-Belfield, Tandem Friends School, Western Albemarle HS, (and other private schools and home-school students). Students will participate as Black Knights, Dragons, Eagles, Flucos, Governors, Lions, Mustangs, Patriots, Saints, or Warriors
*All other local private school or home-schooled students interested in participating have the choice of trying-out for either their local, districted high school mascot team or the “Eagles” or “Saints.”
*Only those affiliated with the designated schools listed above may participate in the VDBL.

 Trained Coaches/”Coaches Clinics:” All VDBL Head Coaches are trained, through a series of “Coaches’ Clinics,” on a specific basketball curriculum of Coaching Ethics, Defensive & Offensive play. High School coaches will also have the opportunity to help “train” coaches and their potential future players through these clinics. There is no charge to VDBL Coaches for Coaches Clinics.