Dept. of Parks & Recreation
This month marks the start of yet another time-honored Moorestown tradition — Youth Recreation Basketball.
The Youth Basketball league has been one of the longest continually running recreation sports leagues in southern New Jersey. This league boasts more than 40 years of play and thousands of players participating. This basketball program is unique, as most communities do not have recreation programs of this magnitude or of this competition level. Over the last 10 years, the league has grown tremendously with nearly 650 youth playing in a variety of programs.
Due to a strong demand signal, the Department of Parks & Recreation offers basketball for players as young as first grade. With specialized clinics geared toward the game’s youngest players the focus is on fundamentals, ball control and sportsmanship. Under the direction of Matt Stewart, this fairly new program will help young players develop self-confidence and skills together. Clinics continue in second grade for boys and girls, again teaching fundamentals and the love of the game. While some sports begin to incorporate competition at this age, this clinic is designed specifically to enhance the player’s confidence and skill level.
Beginning in third grade, youth are invited to play on teams in grade specific leagues. For both boys and girls, there is competitive league play in third through eighth grade. During these formative years, the league focuses on the further development of skill as well as a healthy level of competition. For three years, the league has partnered with local non-profit Live Civilly to issue “Civility Awards.” The Civility Awards are different from most sports awards — they are focused on the importance of sportsmanship and teamwork as opposed to individual recognition and athletics. The theory behind the department’s partnership is: With an increase in incidents of poor sportsmanship where youth sports are concerned, the department is truly focused on the importance of developing the whole athlete, from fundamentals of the game to the fundamentals of play. By instilling the ideals of sportsmanship our youth are better prepared to be successful both in and out of sports.
Upon entering high school, Recreation Youth Basketball is offered to boys in grades nine and 12. League play is competitive and often augments or enriches other basketball experiences. Many youth who play in the high school league also serve as volunteer coaches or assistant coaches for the younger grades. This transition from player to coach is essential as young people develop. Learning a skill or a concept is one thing — teaching it is another.
The 2015 Recreation Youth Basketball League has opened registration already. To register, you must create a Community Pass account at www.moorestownrec. com. Registration is on-going and open to all ages. The Recreation Youth Basketball League registration fee is for grades three through 12 is $60. Registration fee for clinics is $35. For more information or questions please contact the Department of Parks & Recreation at (856) 914–3093. Register today!
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Parks & Rec Happenings
- Open Gym for grades five through 12 is Monday through Thursday 2:45 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday 2:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. Open Gym for grades nine through 12 Wednesdays and Saturdays 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
- Special Needs Open Gym is Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon.
- Recreation Basketball leagues for boys/girls is open now.
- Yoga for teens and adults are Thursday evenings 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
- Girls B Fit for ages 6–11 locations are at Baker School, Roberts School, South Valley School and Upper Elementary School
- Coming this winter for dance are Intro to Jazz, Creative Ballet, Pre-School Ballet and more!
- Live Civilly Homework Help are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
- For Fall Arts Adventures Session II registration opened Oct. 1 and includes: 3D Adventures, Creature Workshop and Ceramic Creations
- A daily bus drives from William Allen Middle School to Church Street Recreation Center at a 2:35 p.m. departure daily from WAMS!
- Volleyball for grades six through nine, boys and girls, are held at Moorestown High School and started Oct. 22.
Missed a registration date? Like us on Facebook at Moorestown Parks & Recreation for up-to-date information about programs and events. Want to register for an upcoming program? Register at www.moorestownrec.com
New & Noteworthy!
Volleyball for boys and girls, grades six through nine, runs for four Wednesdays. The first was Oct. 22. It is held at the Moorestown High School from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Instruction is by Moorestown High School freshman, JV and varsity coaches. These programs are designed to introduce and engage students in grades six through nine to competitive volleyball. The fee is $25 for residents and $45 for non-residents. Register at www.moorestownrec.com.
