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Register for Night Hoops youth basketball program

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Melissa Estevez
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Registration for Operation Night Hoops is Sept. 1-30 at Scott's Youth Center.

The program is open to all skill levels in two separate age groups, ages 9-12 and 13-18.

"Dividing them into different teams give each youth a better involvement in the entire program," said Karen Jalbert, Scott Air Force Base youth programs coordinator. "We like it to be more about learning and the learning experience than competitiveness."

Evaluations will be held Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. Evaluations determine the strengths and weaknesses of the players. Once strengths and weaknesses are determined, the players will be divided into co-ed teams with a variety of skill levels.

"The underlying purpose is to give youth the opportunity to learn life skills as well as to give them a place to go Friday and Saturday evenings," said Jalbert. "We like to get them involved in this program so they can have a positive experience."

Game workshops and life skills classes will be conducted weekly during the regular season. These activities are open to friends and families of the players.

"We are having special guest speakers and activities to enhance healthy life skills, eating right, nutrition and fitness," said Jalbert. "We will have speakers talking about secondary education, college education and also speaking about money to help them with their financial health as they enter college."

Night Hoops is open to all eligible members of the Youth Center. Teens must still be in high school to play. Teams will be co-ed so everyone can enjoy.

Night Hoops season fees are $10 for members and $30 for non-members. A guest can be at the non-member rate.

The Youth Center has a $48 a year membership and a $20 seasonal membership for the Night Hoops program that allows you to participate in all other programs and pay the discounted membership price.

A current physical must be on file at the time of registration, and must not expire during the season. School physicals and P.E. physicals will be accepted.

Volunteer coaches are needed and must be trained under the requirements of the National Youth Sports Coaches Association. Coaches will need to have a current background check.

Night Hoops will abide by the State of Illinois High School Basketball regulations and rules with the exception of by-laws established by Youth Programs.

Attendance in these workshops is mandatory of all players. Athletes are allowed one excused absence.

The Night Hoops program will culminate in the beginning of December with "Passport to Manhood Midnight Basketball." For more information, contact the Youth Center at 618-256-5139.