Registration is for participants as well as volunteer coaches.

Coach O’Sullivan from West Hartford giving a pep talk to his team, the Tarheels, during last
year’s Opening Day of Winter Youth Basketball at the YMCA. Submitted photo

Submitted by Robin Messerli, West Hartford/Tri Town YMCA

The West Hartford YMCA’s largest sports program is Winter Basketball for children from 2 years old to grade 7. Hundreds of kids from West Hartford and the surrounding community join the league to learn the fundamentals of basketball, to play with their friends and teammates against other teams in the league, and to develop as stronger and smarter athletes.

Every year, the Y teaches youth participants the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship in a fun and safe environment with staff referees and parent coaches.

Kids who play sports have better graduation rates, are more likely to overcome diversity, and have better self-confidence. The physical benefits of playing sports and incorporating physical activity in a fun way to their everyday routine are immeasurable. Healthy kids grow up to be healthy adults – it’s never too early to jumpstart your children’s active lifestyle.

The YMCA relies on volunteer coaches to guide the practices and games in their Basketball League. Dozens of coaches help teach kids on dozens of teams, arranged by age groups and teammate requests. Please consider volunteering to be a coach today and contact program director, Bernadette Raum at [email protected]. To register for Winter Basketball, go to westhartfordYMCA.org.

To learn more about how you can support the Y’s cause, please contact Shawn Fongemie, Executive Director at 860-521-5830, email [email protected], or visit GHYMCA.org for more information.

The West Hartford YMCA offices are located at 12 North Main St., West Hartford CT 06107