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Published on 03/16/1998 All articles from this issue

Youth Basketball League is a slam dunk for area kids

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Town Crier Staff Report

Players in the El Camino YMCA Youth Basketball League know the score and a lot more thanks to 200 coaches and referees who volunteer their time each season to teach basketball to children in kindergarten through eighth grade.

The program, now wrapping up its season in gyms throughout Los Altos and Mountain View, serves more than 1,200 children.

Participants learn basic basketball skill, as well as the YMCA's core values. All children play at least two quarters per game.

"It's a great opportunity for children to learn a sport in a non-competitive setting," said El Camino YMCA Program Director Heidi Lisbona. "Everyone is a star whether they are scoring a basket or just learning how to dribble. We strive to make everyone feel special."

Lisbona acknowledges its volunteers who make the program such a success. Volunteers coach the teams, referee the games, register the players and help schedule the games.

"We've got a wide variety of volunteers. Our coaches include cardio-surgeons and police officers, lawyers and stay-at-home moms. They all come together one day a week for practice and on Saturdays for the games. In addition to playing basketball, they teach the value of teamwork and sportsmanship."

One set of volunteer coaches comes from the Mountain View Police Department. They coach three teams for boys and girls, giving players a chance to know the officers in a different setting.

This year Lisbona noted increased participation in the program, especially on the girls side. Three years ago there were only 20 girls playing on coed teams. There are 39 girls teams this season.

Her son, who now plays at his junior high, also learned how to play basketball through the El Camino YMCA's program.

"Most children in this community start playing basketball in this league. People stand in line to get into this program and we had a waiting list again this year," Irwin said.

Irwin, who coached in the league for two years, thinks the El Camino YMCA basketball program is a good first step for children who want to participate in sports.

"This is meant to be an instructional league so the referees will give the players tips while they are playing. Sometimes they even stop the game to explain something like traveling so the players will understand. They really learn something and have fun at the same time."

For more information about the program, call Lisbona at 969-9622.