The NBA has announced an initiative aimed at increasing youth participation in basketball in Canada.

The sport's governing body has launched a database featuring over 700 youth basketball clubs in the country in a bid to make it easier for children and their parents to find clubs near their homes.

NBA Canada vice president Dan MacKenzie told the NBA website: "It is an exciting time for basketball in this country, from the first-ever Canadian number one pick in the NBA Draft this year to rising participation numbers in the sport at all levels.

"Through this campaign, we will make it easier to find a place to play and to further contribute to the growth of basketball in Canada."

There are currently 11 active players in the league from Canada, including Anthony Bennett, who was the top pick in this year's Draft.