Registration is now open for youth basketball at Fountain Hills

The Mary Ellen and Robert McKee branch of the Boys & Girls Club has begun the registration process for youth basketball. There will be different leagues depending on skill level and age group. Bitty Ball is a mixed student from kindergarten through second grade. This league is designed for the youngest ballplayers learning the game for the first time. “Bitty Ball is for the younger kids who are just learning to play basketball,” said store manager Laura Stratton. “The coaches teach the kids how to dribble and shoot. Above all, teach children not to run and to hold the ball in their hands. The baskets are shorter and the game is only played on half the field.”

“This is a great opportunity to increase your child’s passion for the game and learn some new techniques to improve their skills,” Stratton said.

The older children have the opportunity to compete in the Junior Suns and Junior Mercury leagues. The Junior Suns offer three different levels of play for children. Rookie is in third to fourth grade, Cadet is in fifth to sixth grade, and Sun is in seventh to eighth grade. This league is also mixed. Junior Mercury is for girls only and offers two play level options. Girls can participate in the rookie or cadet groups. “These two leagues are for the more experienced kids,” Stratton said. “Faster games and full pitch. For both leagues, the championship games will be held at the Footprint Center (in downtown Phoenix).”

Registration closes November 17th and anyone interested in having their child participate can apply online at the club’s website: bgcs.org/mary-ellen-robert-mckee-branch/.
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