The John Davidson Country Jamboree is unique in that it brings together the best 90 boys and 90 girls from the U12 divisions from right across the state after 450 young stars trialled at a skills camp across 12 different venues earlier in the year.

Tamworth will be represented by three boys and nine girls in a promising sign for the future of the Thunderbolts, with the camp the first step towards Country representation for the young ballers.

Local team manager Karen Sheppard said that the camp is great for the kids and great for Tamworth, with so many families coming to town to support the players, who will all be staying together at Farrer for the duration.

“They will train and play everyday,” Sheppard said.

“It is also all about bonding and forming friendships that can carry on for life.” 

“Each night we have movies or a bbq or some other social activity with families invited to attend as well.”

“It is a really great idea.”

On Saturday the players will be split into teams with no two kids from the same association or with the same christian name in any one team.

Each team will also be assigned a coach and a manager, with the overall goal to improve skill levels, have fun, play games and participate in social activities and form new friendships.

The Jamboree is named after Port Maquarie administrator John Davidson, who during his time as Chairman of Country Basketball was responsible for pushing the concept of the Jamboree, which is unique in Australian Basketball and follows the FIBA concept of youth player development.

The camp will also see 40 junior referees developing their skills.