RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Tx –
Randolph youth who are interested in playing basketball have until Oct. 31 to register for the Randolph Youth Center's fall basketball league.
Youth ages 5 to 18 can sign up at the youth center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. The registration fee is $40 per child, who must be a youth center member and have a birth certificate, physical exam and shot records on file before he or she can participate.
The fall league will have two coed divisions, ages 5-6 and 7-8, and four divisions each for girls and boys ages 9-18.
After registration is complete, player evaluations take place Nov. 5-13 at the youth center gym, Building 585. Each age group division, boys and girls, will have their own player evaluation meeting. Player evaluations allow coaches from each division to assess the skill level of each youth. Once the evaluation process is completed, players will be put on teams through a coaches' draft.
Rey Salinas, youth center sports and fitness assistant, said anyone who wants to play basketball should sign up as soon as they can.
"The league is on a first come, first served basis because player spaces are limited," he said. "Over the last couple of years, we have had over 450 players a year participate."
By joining the league, Mr. Salinas said youth have the chance to develop and strengthen their physical and social skills.
"The fall league is a good tool for those who want to get out and learn about the sport of basketball," he said. "By being with their teammates and peers, they will learn good team-building skills."
The youth center is looking for volunteer coaches for the league. Anyone interested in becoming a coach can contact Mr. Salinas or Jack Hayes, youth sports director, at 652-3298 or 652-2088.
"We are looking for nearly 80 people to coach in this league," Mr. Salinas said. "People who want to coach should come by the youth center to pick up an application and to get their certification."
Mr. Salinas said good coaches and supportive parents have been beneficial to the league's success in the past.
"Coaches and parents grow in many ways by participating in the league," he said. "The coaches learn how to interact with the kids and parents. Parents benefit by introducing their children to good recreational sports and clean fun."
Each year 40 to 45 teams have participated in the league. Boys and girls in the 9 to 18 age divisions compete against teams from Fort Sam Houston, Lackland Air Force Base, St. Monica's Catholic School in Converse and Boysville. The 5-8 age group coed teams compete only at Randolph.
The league will run from November until March with games being played at the youth center gym and the Rambler Fitness Center.
For more information, call 652-3298.