Basketball is a great activity to think about for your little ones. It teaches discipline, helps your child stay active, and can foster lifelong lessons about teamwork and friendship. If you’re going to sign them up, however, now is the time to do it before it’s too late. Some things that you should consider carefully before you make the final commitment, however, are whether you’ll have the time to do this, the location, and pricing. This isn’t a tiny thing you’ll be committing to, so it’s a clever idea to get all the information you can first.
Lay Ups has a goal of helping kids learn and play in a fun way. The league is co-e, and they offer programs for both boys and girls from K to 3. Each level is age-appropriate, and practices are often held before the game. They do this to ensure that time management is easier for the families and you’re less likely to miss a game. When choosing the game’s location, they choose a general base area for family convenience and use multiple locations in Portland. Registering early here is essential as there is a thirty-dollar late fee. Families have had a great time with this team as they say that no matter how busy you are, you can still make the games.
GoldenBall is managed by Portland Parks, and it’s for children in grades 3-5. The program believes in good sportsmanship, and they want to focus on developing basketball fundamentals for your youth. You sign up as a team instead of individually, and that helps manage the details of your team. The program also offers chances to play basketball as they progress to higher grades. The registration is $450, and they must provide you with a jersey. The teams will need to do that individually. Be sure to check the requirements ahead of time, however, to ensure that you’re following the rules.
Southeast Portland Girls Basketball
This is an organization that believes if any girl wants to play, she should be able to play no matter what her family’s financial situation is. Therefore, scholarships are available. They have twenty-seven teams, and it’s noncompetitive in the early grades but gets more competitive the higher you go. They offer club t-shirts and hoodies, skill sessions, and off-season opportunities. Registration starts at $135, but if you can only afford that some at a time, they offer payment plans and scholarship options. Many families have been grateful for these options because it means that though they don’t have much to contribute financially, their children can still experience what other children get to do.
The Flash League is designed for fun learning, accountability, and sportsmanship, with some hustle thrown in for good measure. They offer children the chance to play from K-4 in an environment that is safe, teaching-based, and, above all, fun. The emphasis is on giving your children an experience that lets them have a great time while learning simultaneously, and the games are always innovative and unique. You can sign up as an individual or as an entire team. Another fantastic thing about this league is that they offer programs through high school. It’s $195 per player, and the practices are before each game. The team T-shirt is also included.
Serving thousands of families in the Portland area, the league has a goal to give players from ages three to eighth grade the opportunity to play and succeed no matter what their skill level is. They build relationships with themselves and others, and anyone can play here. With a variety of different basketball programs, you’ll be able to find something that your child will love. The prices range from about $125 and up, depending on the age and program. Children who have joined the league in the past have said that they had a much higher sense of accomplishment, self-esteem, and happiness from playing here.
Giving Your Child New Opportunities
Basketball is a fun activity your child can love while learning skills that will stay with them forever. Each of these leagues teaches your child sportsmanship, getting along with others, learning new skills, and more. The institutions that we’ve listed all take the time to encourage your children to succeed and to keep trying so that they can achieve their best while nurturing them no matter their skill level. Have fun letting them learn a new skill while they make friends!
Jenifer Dale is a writer that has a passion for reading and helping others. When she is not writing, she loves cooking, crocheting, and spending time with her family.