The Pathway

A clear route. A real chance.
A system built for visibility, development and progression.

Players develop in different ways.
Players shine in different environments.
Next Play UK recognises that.

Our pathway gives athletes multiple ways to be seen — whether you thrive in high-tempo tournaments, or your strengths are better shown through full-game performances, club seasons or structured basketball environments.

Two routes. One destination.

Open Trials → KOTC Regional Tournaments
OR
Video Submissions → Final Assessment Day → NXT U23 League

A pathway built for real-life basketball — not a one-size-fits-all system.

Your first chance to show what you can do.

Open Trials bring players from all backgrounds into the Next Play UK system.
They’re fast, intense and competitive — a snapshot of who can perform under pressure.

Players who stand out earn selection for the KOTC Regional Tournaments.

For players who shine in high-tempo, expressive basketball environments.

KOTC tournaments take place across London, the Midlands and the North.
They’re where identity, pace and presence matter — and where standout performances rise quickly.

Players who excel here earn Golden Tickets to the Final Assessment Day.

NOT EVERY PLAYER IS BUILT FOR TRIALS OR TOURNAMENTS — AND THAT’S OKAY

Trials and tournament environments highlight some players — and hide others.

TRIALS FAVOUR PLAYERS WHO CAN:

• dominate the ball
• create on the fly
• play with pace
• be bold and assertive
• take risks
• impose themselves quickly

BUT TRIALS DO NOT RELIABLY SHOWCASE PLAYERS WHO ARE:

• system players
• role players
• defensive specialists
• glue guys
• disciplined decision-makers
• bigs who rely on service
• off-ball contributors
• quiet leaders
• late developers
• returning from injury
• better in structured systems
• overseas or unavailable on the day

We recognise that talent comes in many forms — and not all of it shows in a one-hour trial or mixed-pool session.

That’s why a second route exists.

If you couldn’t make the trials — or trials don’t suit your game — you still have a route forward.

Players can submit:

• highlight reels
• full game footage
• season clips
• club or academy film
• overseas footage

If the evaluation team believes you’ve shown the required level —
you can earn an invitation to the Final Assessment Day, even if:

• you didn’t stand out at Open Trials
• or couldn’t attend
• or were injured
• or are playing overseas
• or your strengths don’t show in chaotic trial environments

This is not a shortcut.
It’s recognition that basketball is bigger than one format.

Where all three pathways converge.

Golden Ticket athletes (from KOTC)
+
Selected video-submission athletes
+
Any late additions identified through the season

One selective, high-performance evaluation combining:

• gameplay
• matchups
• decision-making
• situational reads
• physical testing
• competitive resilience

This is where NXT U23 League roster decisions are made.

The elite stage of the pathway.

Players who excel at the Final Assessment Day earn their place in the NXT U23 League — a high-performance environment built for visibility, standards and progression.

Your next play starts here.