Why the YMCA is the Place to Go for Youth Basketball
Posted by C G on 4/11/2018
“Basketball
doesn’t build character it reveals it.” James Naismith couldn’t have spoken
truer words to this day. The sport of basketball was invented in 1891 at a YMCA
in Springfield, Massachusetts by James Naismith. At the time, Naismith was a
physical education teacher at the YMCA International Training School.
The game of basketball grew
so quickly that by 1939 basketball was played internationally at YMCAs, made an
official Olympic Sport, and the NIT and NCAA tournaments were established. Here
we are, 126 years later, and basketball is still a sport of choice for both
young and old. Basketball was originally designed with nine players per team
and has since evolved into a game with five players per team. Mike Krzyzewski,
Duke University coach said, “Teamwork is the beauty of our sport, where you
have five acting as one.”
One team containing five
players with five different personalities; how is this possible? It sounds
difficult, but a team atmosphere can nurture each child’s personality to shine
in a positive environment. While five children play towards a common goal
(to score) it becomes simple to see how different personality traits can work
together. Our volunteer YMCA Coaches make sure that each child has the
opportunity to experience working together as a team. At the Y, we are For All.
This means there are no try-outs and every child will play. Basketball at the Y helps
to develop children’s self-confidence, decision making processes, and
facilitates creating healthy relationships in a safe, fun environment!
Your child may not have the
opportunity to learn a sport, make friends, or build positive characteristics
if it weren’t for you - the parent or guardian. Parents and guardians play a
crucial part in team sports at the Y. The examples we set, while in the stands
or at home, will help support our children and their development both on and
off the court. Because the Y is For All, we encourage and welcome family
involvement and participation. Many of our YMCA Coaches are parents who want to
be an active part of their child’s development and support the development of
other children. To all of our YMCA Coaches – we THANK YOU for helping make a
difference in a child’s life and supporting the Y’s cause to strengthen
community.
Written by: Hillary Held, Youth Sports Program Coordinator, East Belleville YMCA