Youth basketball is returning to the YMCA in Sault Ste. Marie for the first time since the pandemic.
On Tuesday, the Sault YMCA, in partnership with the Elite 8 Basketball Academy, announced the return of YBC Youth Basketball this spring.
“YBC youth basketball has been a cornerstone of YMCA youth sports for decades,” explains the Y’s Public Relations Manager, Don Ferguson.
“The popular program ran for almost 60 years offering local children and youth an opportunity to learn basketball and life skills through drills and league play in a fun, safe and inclusive YMCA environment.”
Unfortunately, the program was halted in 2020 due to onset of COVID-19.
“Limited coaching resources had proven to be a challenge in getting YBC started again, but the opportunity to partner with the Elite 8 Basketball Academy now affords us an opportunity to relaunch the program, and we couldn’t be more excited,” Ferguson said.
YBC youth basketball is open to kids ages 6 to 13. Players will be assigned to programs based on age groups. The YMCA and the Elite 8 Basketball Academy hope to be able to fill enough spots for four teams in each age group: 6 to 7 years, 8 to 9 years, 10 to 11 years, and 12 to 13 years.
The program will run for eight weeks on Saturdays, from May 17th to July 5th at the YMCA. Each session will include skills development and a scheduled game.
Players will stay with their teams and coaches throughout the entire program. Standings will be kept and a champion crowned.
Ryan Lillington, president of the Elite 8 Basketball Academy said the return of YBC will fill a significant hole in local basketball skills training.
“When I started this Academy, the goal was to fill the gaps in basketball programming in our community. Perhaps the biggest gap in programming has been the absence of YBC.
“Bob Gibbs, Cindy Ougler, and so many others in our community worked hard to keep that league running for years and we're extremely excited to build on that legacy, to partner with the YMCA to bring back YBC, and add many other fantastic basketball programs as we move forward.”
Registration is $60 for YMCA members and $120 for non members, but Lillington stresses that there will never be a situation where a child does not participate due to registration cost. If a family is struggling financially, he suggests that they contact the Elite 8 Basketball Academy or the YMCA so that steps can be taken so the child can participate.
Registration includes a Nike YBC Reversible Jersey and a Nike Basketball. The registration deadline is April 30, but you can still register after the deadline if there is space available.
The Sault Ste. Marie YMCA is also currently holding a YBC Shoe Drive. The Y is looking for gently used kids, youth, and young-adult size basketball, athletic, or running shoes to provide to YBC participants who would benefit from appropriate footwear. Drop your shoes off to the YMCA before Saturday, April 26.
Registration for YBC is now open. Parents and youth interested in learning more and registering can visit this page.