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 and the valley 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)

This is not a “recreational” basketball league; rather, this is a “developmental” league. We aim to provide a controlled, focused environment where devoted coaches and student-athletes can sincerely focus on developing their skills, strive toward maximizing their potential on & off the court, and ultimately prepare for the possibility of playing HS basketball.

There are six divisions within the Boys VDBL based on grade and playing level. There are three divisions within the Girls VDBL. All teams, comprised of 10 players each, 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 private schools must have enough participants from their school to form a school team - otherwise, they will be placed within their public school district. Home-schooled students interested in participating will be evaluated for their districted high school team mascot. 
 

• Trained Coaches/Coaches' Clinics: All VDBL Head Coaches are trained, through a series of “Coaches’ Clinics,” on a specific basketball curriculum of Coaching Ethics, Individual Skill Development, Defensive & Team Offensive play. There is no charge to VDBL Coaches for Coaches Clinics.
   
• 10-12 Games: Games are played on Saturday/Sunday afternoons/evenings.  Usually teams play one (1) game per week (unless a division has an odd number of teams, in which case, one team in the odd-numbered division can play two games in a given week).  If making the 8th Grade Elite Team more information will come. 

• Full, Reversible Mesh Uniforms and a Shooting Shirt: All student-athletes are outfitted in full uniform, including a reversible mesh jersey, shorts and a shooting shirt (student-athletes keep all apparel).  STOCK ORDERS ARE MADE FOR EACH TEAM so individual sizes are not taken.  

• Two, 90-minute practices/week: Gym space has been reserved for each team practice (90-minutes in length) in order to ensure the optimum environment for teaching and learning.  IMPORTANT NOTE: All practices are subject to change due to inclement weather and/or school events.  

Cost should not prevent anyone from signing up! In order to provide the highest quality organization and league, it requires significant costs. The Junior League is a program of the Virginia Basketball Academy, a non-profit organization whose mission is to "build character and shape lives through the game of basketball" - ensuring opportunities to all potential participants is critical to its purpose and success.  APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP TODAY!