News

The Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) has restructured its competition framework for the 2025/26 season — introducing the new Regional League (RL) as part of a refreshed pathway for players and clubs across Victoria.

Here’s what the changes mean for the Camberwell Dragons and you.

Your guide to the Regional League

• The Regional League (RL) becomes the third tier of VJBL competition, sitting below the Victorian Championship (VC) and Victorian Junior League (VJL).
• The RL is designed to reduce Friday night travel by grouping teams into geographical pools, making weekly competition more manageable for families and players.

What it means for your age group

• Under 12: Teams will grade into VC, VJL1–5, or RL
• Under 14: Teams will grade into VC, VJL1–8, or RL
• Under 16 & Under 18: Teams will grade into VC, VJL1–5 and below

Please note: All VJBL teams entering the 2025/26 Grading Season may be placed in the RL competition depending on results during grading.

What it means for the Dragons

The restructure creates opportunities for more young players to represent Camberwell Dragons.

• We expect to select at least 12 additional teams across the Under 12 and Under 14 age groups in 2025/26 — (two Under 12 Girls and two Under 14 Girls teams, four Under 12 Boys and four Under 14 Boys teams), providing opportunities for 120 extra players to represent the Dragons.
• Dragons RL teams will be coached by a parent connected to the team and train once a week.

Introducing the Eastern Development League (EDL)

The Eastern Development League (EDL) is NOT part of the VJBL competition.

• The EDL will be run in collaboration with other associations and provide a structured, competitive environment for Under 12, Under 14, and Under 16 players to develop their skills, confidence and understanding of the game.
• Teams will play on Friday nights during school terms 1, 2 and 3 in 2026.
• Each team will be coached by a volunteer parent coach on game nights.
• Players will take part in one weekly squad training session led by a Dragons coach, supported by a parent coach.

For more information about the EDL, visit our Eastern Development League page HERE or contact [email protected]

To register your interest in representing the Dragons in the EDL, click HERE.