Question 1

Are you the same as the Jr. NBA or little BALLERS?

Accepted Answer

No.  We are an independent business, with our own best practices and standards.

Question 2

How many participants per session?

Accepted Answer

Class sizes are typically capped at 12–15 participants. School-age classes may accommodate up to 18–20 participants, depending on the facility size. Smaller spaces may be limited to 10–12, while larger gyms may exceed the standard cap if an additional coach is available to support waitlisted participants. We recommend registering early to avoid disappointment, as we aim to minimize waitlists whenever possible.

Question 3

How many coaches are in each session?

Accepted Answer

We typically have 3 coaches per session, with additional support from trained volunteers when available. In smaller classes, we may reduce to 2 coaches for the duration of the term.

Question 4

Do you have the same coaches in each session?

Accepted Answer

We aim to keep coaches consistent throughout the term, with each coach present at least 80% of the time. Trained substitutes may step in when needed.  More frequent changes, can occur when staffing conflicts are out of our control.  We prioritize your mini's development and do our best to maintain consistency.

Question 5

Do I have to participate with my child?

Accepted Answer

If your mini is between 1–3.5 years old, you can expect to participate with them as their “teammate.”

- In our Infant/Toddler class (ages 1–2.5), one or two caregivers are required on the floor. Please limit to one caregiver in smaller spaces.
- In our Preschool 1 class (ages 2.5–3.5), caregiver involvement is based on your child’s independence and comfort level. Participation is expected, especially for younger or less independent children.

For non-parent assisted classes (e.g., Preschool 2 for ages 3.5–5), we ask that parents avoid prolonged assistance. You are welcome to step in briefly if your child is hesitant, cheer during our goodbye shot, or offer support when needed—but please encourage your child to return to their seat independently when ready.

All caregivers must wear clean indoor shoes while on the floor.

Question 6

Can I join class after the session started?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our classes are designed to join anytime. Our website automatically adjusts the prices to reflect the prorated amount each week, amazing right? The earlier you join the better, but better late than never!

If a class is not full or waitlisted join us.  Use your discretion to decide how many lessons is too few based on your mini's comfort in new environments.  If you join part way through at term and want to keep the fun going, a 4-5 week mini term may occur after the term you joined late.  Combine those two for a longer experience.

Question 7

How many classes in each term?

Accepted Answer

Our full terms generally have 10 classes, and each class is 45 minutes. Just watch out for statutory holidays, as we don’t offer classes on long weekends. We’ll make sure to call out these dates in class and in your ‘Welcome to Mini Ballers’ email at the start of the term. We try to offer members events on long weekends to give families a free opportunity to be active.

We also offer "mini terms" that are 5 weeks, and we may offer 7 or 8 week terms.

It is important to introduce your mini to multiple sports.  The elements of physical literacy are best explored through a variety of activities, and on land and water. Therefore, we do not recommend registering for more than two consecutive terms.  Try another activity and then come back to us! Our programming is year round and we are always happy to move, learn and play with your mini.

Question 8

Can my 11 month old join the infant toddler class?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We say “one year olds” but if they are a confident walkers- join the fun! If they are one years old and cannot yet walk, we aren’t going anywhere and will be here to welcome you when they are motoring around.

Question 9

Can my partner and I both assist in the parented session?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if there is space then double up. Use your discretion based on the space.

Please note: It is normal for children to act differently with different "teammates", Grandpa may be the fun guy who gets to experience a brave and excitable mini, where as your mini may cling to mommy or daddy and act shy... don't take it personal, we have observed that  as normal.  Each class may be different, and that's ok.  Assign your child a teammate aka. helper based on what works for your family and their mood.

Question 10

What should my child bring with them?

Accepted Answer

Water bottle, indoor runners, mini uniform .

Please note: basketball specific shoes are not required. A supportive running shoe is great.

Question 11

Is this a basketball league?

Accepted Answer

No! We are a movement and basketball FUNdamental program. We focus on three main basketball skills: passing, dribbling and shooting.

Sessions are planned to encourage development of movement and these three main basketball skills. We also try to introduce basketball movements like shuffling and vertical jumps. There is no emphasis placed on scrimmaging in the traditional 5 on 5. 3 on 3 or even 2 on 2 style in our traditional classes.

As of spring 2023, we are offering a 3 x 3 co-ed class for 6-8 year olds. This class will be called "school age: 3 x 3"

Observe your mini, if they like our programming, they will likely enjoy the challenge of team basketball.

The first point of entry for playing in a league is the WMBA co-ed 7-8 league and some private clubs. We promote all next steps to our families. Our goal is to help grow the sport, not hold onto registrants.

All we ask is you shout us out at the WNBA or NBA draft night of 2043.

Question 12

What does my child receive when they register?

Accepted Answer

-Drawstring Bag
-Uniform (Choice of: Blue, Pink, Green, Yellow)
-Option to order prints from our photo days at your own additional cost.
-Mini Ballers Colouring Sheets
-Participation Certificate

Mini Membership
-Access to free or low cost events for 365 days, your whole family is welcome as long as there is a Mini Baller in your midst.

Question 13

Do you offer trial classes?

Accepted Answer

As a standard practice, we typically do not offer trial classes, except in cases where we are piloting new programs or locations. Our priority is to foster children's skill development, enjoyment, and their ability to listen and follow instructions throughout a term. Maintaining a high level of engagement is crucial for us, and offering trials may compromise our staff's ability to effectively serve all enrolled participants. Coaching a large number of kids for extended hours can be demanding, and we strive to ensure our coaches are adequately prepared for success.

However, if you have special circumstances or would like to observe a class before enrolling, you are more than welcome to drop in at any of our sites. Please feel free to contact us at info@miniballers.ca if you would like to watch a class from the sidelines. We're here to accommodate your needs and ensure you make an informed decision about joining our program.

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Join the mini movement.

All of the things...

Join the mini movement.

All of the
things...