Programs & Updates
2026 Junior Competition – Important Update for Rockets Families
Overview
From March 2026, South West Metro Pirates are moving the junior competition (Optus Juniors) to a clearer Winter / Summer model. Runcorn Rockets will align all our junior teams with this structure.
Key changes:
A Term 1 pre-season tournament in 2026 (NCAA “March Madness” style)
A shift to Winter (Terms 2 & 3) and Summer (Term 4 & Term 1) seasons
A new U23 age group to bridge juniors and seniors
More detail is below, and we’ll keep families updated as dates and fees are confirmed.
A Term 1 pre-season tournament in 2026 (NCAA “March Madness” style)
A shift to Winter (Terms 2 & 3) and Summer (Term 4 & Term 1) seasons
A new U23 age group to bridge juniors and seniors
New season structure (from 2026)
Term 1 2026 – Pre-season Tournament
Short, fast competition to place teams into the right divisions for Winter
No knockouts – all teams play each round
Reduced fee due to reduced season length.
Winter Season (Terms 2 & 3)
Main junior competition each year (April–September)
Summer Season (Term 4 & Term 1)
Runs across the end of the year into the new year (October–March)
Short, fast competition to place teams into the right divisions for Winter
No knockouts – all teams play each round
Reduced fee due to reduced season length.
Main junior competition each year (April–September)
Runs across the end of the year into the new year (October–March)
Age groups & birth years (2026)
These are the age groups and birth years for the Term 1 2026 Tournament and Winter 2026 Season:
U8 – born 2019 or 2020
U10 – born 2017 or 2018
U12 – born 2015 or 2016
U14 – born 2013 or 2014
U16 – born 2011 or 2012
U19 – born 2008, 2009 or 2010
U23 – born 2004, 2005, 2006 or 2007
For the Summer 2026/27 Season (Term 4 2026 & Term 1 2027), the age groups roll forward a year:
U8 – born 2020 or 2021
U10 – born 2018 or 2019
U12 – born 2016 or 2017
U14 – born 2014 or 2015
U16 – born 2012 or 2013
U19 – born 2009, 2010 or 2011
U23 – born 2005, 2006, 2007 or 2008
U8 – born 2019 or 2020
U10 – born 2017 or 2018
U12 – born 2015 or 2016
U14 – born 2013 or 2014
U16 – born 2011 or 2012
U19 – born 2008, 2009 or 2010
U23 – born 2004, 2005, 2006 or 2007
U8 – born 2020 or 2021
U10 – born 2018 or 2019
U12 – born 2016 or 2017
U14 – born 2014 or 2015
U16 – born 2012 or 2013
U19 – born 2009, 2010 or 2011
U23 – born 2005, 2006, 2007 or 2008
About the new U23 competition
The new U23 competition sits inside the Optus Juniors framework and is aimed at players roughly 17–23 years old, keeping them in a strong development environment while linking into QSL and QSLYL programmes. Games will be played on Friday nights as part of the junior competition.
This will:
Help players stay in the game through those early adulthood years.
Give clubs more opportunities to develop young coaches and leaders.
Provide a clear bridge from Junior Domestic → U23 → Senior Domestic & QSL/YL.
Rockets are excited to explore U23 team options and will call for expressions of interest from players and coaches during 2025.
Help players stay in the game through those early adulthood years.
Give clubs more opportunities to develop young coaches and leaders.
Provide a clear bridge from Junior Domestic → U23 → Senior Domestic & QSL/YL.
Questions?
If you’ve got questions about how this affects your child’s age group, or you’re interested in coaching, managing or playing U23, please get in touch:
Email: info@rocketsbasketball.com.au
Website: www.rocketsbasketball.com.au
We’re really looking forward to rolling into this new structure with our Rockets family and giving our players even better pathways to grow, compete and have fun.
Website: www.rocketsbasketball.com.au
Runcorn Rockets with a Play On! Voucher – FAQs
The Runcorn Rockets are proud to be part of the Queensland Government's Play On! program, making it easier for families to get their kids involved in sport by offering $200 vouchers towards registration costs.
How to Use Your Play On! Voucher:
1. Check Eligibility
Make sure your child is aged 5–17 years and meets the eligibility criteria. Details are available on the Queensland Government website: Play On! Voucher Info
2. Apply for a Voucher
Applications open Monday, 4 August 2025. If approved, you’ll receive a $200 voucher for your child.
3. Register with Runcorn Rockets
Visit our website to register for the upcoming season and complete full payment of fees:
Click Here to Register
4. Submit Your Voucher
Once you receive your Play On! voucher, email it to:
playon@rocketsbasketball.com.au
Make sure the name on the voucher matches the player's registration name.
5. Refund Process
Our volunteer team will verify and process your voucher through the Play On! system. Once approved, we’ll refund $200 back to your original payment method via Basketball Connect. This process generally takes 7–10 business days after we receive your email.
6. Hit the Court!
Once that’s done – it’s game on! We can’t wait to welcome you to the Rockets family for a great season ahead.
Need Help?
Email us any time:
info@rocketsbasketball.com.au
We’re here to help make the process easy and get as many kids as possible involved in sport.
Let’s keep kids active, connected and part of something great!
#RuncornRockets #PlayOnQLD #BasketballForAll #JuniorBasketball #CommunitySport #ActiveKids #GameOn