File photo from MBC staff
Registration is now open for the Norfolk Youth Basketball Association’s 2026-27 season, with programs available for children as young as five through teenagers.
The local basketball program has been operating in the community for more than 30 years and is primarily based out of Waterford District High School.
Doug Montgomery, who sits on the association’s executive and oversees the adult league and gym bookings, says the youth program is designed to be welcoming to players regardless of their previous experience.
The program runs from September through March, although individual sessions can occasionally be cancelled because the association shares school facilities and is subject to weather or other school-related issues.
One of the benefits of this kind of learning environment is that it opens the doors for parents in unique ways.
Montgomery noted some may be hesitant to sign up their 8-year-old and 10-year-old, for instance, as they do not want to commit a long time at the gym for back to back classes.
Unlike some sports where players can feel like they’ve fallen too far behind if they haven’t been involved for several years, Norfolk Youth Basketball focuses on teaching the fundamentals and helping players develop at their own pace.
The program is also relatively inexpensive compared with many organized sports, opening the door to more kids to learn.
Players generally need indoor running shoes, while the association provides basketballs and T-shirts.
Montgomery said it is the kind of program he encourages people to try.
Whether it is just one year of trying to do something new, or something that sticks and helps turn you into a better basketball player.
The association is also looking for volunteers to help coach and assist with the youth programs.
Volunteers can help coaches with drills, exercises and game play, allowing adults to work with smaller groups of players and provide more individual instruction.
Training is provided, and the association says most coach assistants find the learning curve relatively short.
They are open for high school students looking to get volunteer hours as well.
Registration for the 2026-27 season is currently open online through Norfolk Youth Basketball.
This year’s youngest players, ages five to seven, will take part in the U8 program Sundays from 2 to 3 p.m. at Waterford District High School beginning September 20.
The U10 program for ages eight and nine runs Sundays from 3 to 4 p.m., followed by the U12 program for ages 10 and 11 from 4 to 5:15 p.m.
Older players will take part at Simcoe Composite School, with the U14 program for ages 12 and 13 running Mondays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. beginning September 21. The U17 program for ages 14 to 16 follows at the same time.
A girls program for ages 10 to 16 is also planned, with the time and gym location still to be determined.
We will be talking about the Adult League during another feature.
