Cambodia’s Rising Stars: An Inclusive Junior Basketball Competition for Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is set to host one of the most inclusive and exciting youth sporting events in Cambodia as the Cambodia Junior Basketball Competition (CJBC) tips off under the banner of the Southeast Asia Junior Basketball League (SEAJBL). Designed as a truly all-inclusive junior basketball competition in Phnom Penh, CJBC welcomes all junior players — local Cambodian youth, expat families, and international school students — regardless of skill level or playing background.
The competition reflects SEAJBL’s core belief that basketball should be accessible to everyone. Whether a player is new to organized competition or already experienced in club or school basketball, CJBC provides a structured, supportive environment where young athletes can learn, compete, and grow together. This inclusive approach helps build confidence, foster friendships across cultures, and strengthen the wider youth basketball community in Phnom Penh.
With age divisions including 12U, 15U, and 18U, the Cambodia Junior Basketball Competition is open to both boys and girls and encourages teams from schools, clubs, academies, and mixed community groups to participate. By removing barriers to entry and focusing on participation as much as performance, CJBC stands out as one of the most welcoming youth basketball competitions in Cambodia.
Hosted at the All Star Complex, Lucky Pavilion, the pilot season competition guarantees each team a minimum of four games — three regular season games plus a finals fixture. This ensures every player gets meaningful game time and exposure to competitive play, regardless of results. For many players, CJBC represents their first taste of organized basketball, while for others it is an important step in their long-term development journey.
Beyond the court, CJBC integrates modern features that enhance the overall experience for players and families. These include digital scorekeeping, online fixtures, and game statistics for selected age groups, allowing young athletes to track their progress and celebrate milestones throughout the season. Live streaming options also enable extended family and friends, both locally and overseas, to stay connected and support the players.
The Cambodia Junior Basketball Competition plays a vital role in SEAJBL’s broader mission to develop sustainable youth basketball pathways across Southeast Asia. In Phnom Penh, this includes linking competition play with ongoing training opportunities, skills clinics, and community programs that support player growth beyond the league format. Importantly, CJBC places equal value on character development, teamwork, and sportsmanship alongside basketball skills.
Game days are designed to be family-friendly and community-driven, bringing together parents, coaches, and young athletes in a positive and energetic environment. By encouraging participation from diverse backgrounds and skill levels, CJBC helps strengthen the social fabric of youth sport in Phnom Penh and promotes basketball as a shared language across cultures.
As basketball continues to grow in Cambodia, the Cambodia Junior Basketball Competition is setting a new standard for inclusive, accessible, and meaningful youth sport. For families searching for a junior basketball competition in Phnom Penh that values development, diversity, and opportunity, CJBC offers a pathway where every young player belongs — and every journey matters.