This winter, the Hockomock Area YMCA will continue a tradition that roots back to the Y’s history. Youth basketball league (YBL) for ages 3 and up begins in the YMCA gyms on Saturday, December 7. With short, cold days inherent to the region, winter hoops is a great way to stay active and connected with others interested in healthy competition, reaching goals, and staying healthy.
“Things will heat up at the Y this winter,” says Branch Executive Director Dan Brennock, who anticipates the Hockomock Area YMCA will welcome 1,000 participants to its youth basketball league. With a focus on youth development, it is a hallmark YMCA organized sports programs that they be developmentally appropriate. “We focus on the fundamentals of dribbling, passing and shooting, as well as the basics of defense, while emphasizing team work, fair play and learning to love and play the game of basketball.”
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| YMCA - Youth Basketball League |
According to Brennock, basketball is the Y’s most popular league. Fostering a lifetime appreciation for basketball is important to the YMCA, who has a special connection to the origins of the game. In December, 1891, Physical education teacher James Naismith invented basketball at the International YMCA Training School. During that long winter, students wanted an activity unlike traditional indoor activities offered; the story goes that Naismith had two weeks to come up with something. He chose a game physically demanding but simple to understand. To prevent injuries, no contact would be allowed. The ball would be passed but not carried. Elevating the goals at each end of the court would add challenge. The height of the goals, 10 feet, was determined solely by the height of the Y’s elevated indoor running track.
Although there are differences in the game today (it was originally played with a soccer ball and peach basket-goals), YBL participants have this in common with the students in Springfield: they love the game! And they stay engaged.
Coaches at the Y emphasize reaching goals together and stress abilities and teamwork over winning at any cost while infusing the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility into every meeting.
Spots are available now for this 8 week season, with league costs going up after November 26. Stay warm this winter and register today:
- Bernon Family Branch - 45 Forge Hill Rd, Franklin; 508.528.8708
- Invensys Foxboro Branch – 67 Mechanic St, Foxboro; 508.543.2523
- North Attleboro Branch - 300 Elmwood St, No. Attleboro; 508.695.7001
Online registration is offered to full members: hockymca.org. All are invited to participate, regardless of whether a Y member or not and confidential financial assistance is available.
For more information, contact YMCA Sports:
Kailynn Bateman, kailynnb@hockymca.org, 774.235.2720 (in Franklin); Shelly Jacobsen, shellyj@hockymca.org, 508.772.1354 (in Foxboro); Michelle Burke, michelleb@hockymca.org, 508.643.5215 (in North Attleboro)
About the Hockomock Area YMCA:
The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities in the areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is its cause. Every day, the Y works side-by-side with its neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn and grow.
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