Y Marketing and Media Intern
What many people do not know is that the sport of basketball was created at a YMCA way back in the day. Another little known fact about YMCA basketball is that, especially at the local facility, it is one of the very few programs that truly run year-round.
Whether it’s through tournaments, leagues or “Bitty Basketball” (basketball clinics for 3 year olds), the YMCA gives folks of all ages an opportunity to enjoy one of the world’s oldest games.
At the local Y, there are several adult leagues, varying in size, offered throughout the year. A league for boys in grades three through five take place November through December, while its sister league for girls runs January through February. This is the first time the leagues have been split up.
Another first this year is a high school league involving teams from 12 area high schools. The YMCA is hoping to incorporate them into the fall women’s league. That league was born when the volleyball and girls basketball seasons switched several years ago.
Especially for the youngsters, basketball is a great environment to learn some very important lessons, not only about the game, but lessons in life.
Thanks to people like Heather Simpson, head basketball coach at Traverse City Central High School, these kids are given opportunities to not only work their skills, but put them into game situations and give back to the community at the same time.
Last winter, Simpson brought in five or six of her players every Saturday to give young girls a chance to learn the game. After a few Saturdays, the girls played during halftime at one of the high school games. They raised money for a charity and were able to give athletic shoes to less fortunate children in the community.
The YMCA’s basketball program does more for kids than just expose them to the game. It truly does help to instill not only the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, responsibility, and respect, but also sportsmanship and friendly competition.
“It’s a great opportunity for kids to not only learn the game, but also learn valuable life lessons in competition and sportsmanship,” Simpson said of the YMCA basketball program.
