The Original, Still the Best
Did you know that basketball was invented at the YMCA? Today, it's our biggest youth program. Our basketball programs are designed for players of all abilities who want to have fun, take part in healthy competition and develop their skills. Players will learn the fundamentals of the game and the importance of teamwork, responsibility and sportsmanship. Volunteer coaches provide support and encouragement and serve as positive role models for youth.
Youth Basketball
Our Youth Basketball leagues are offered in the fall/winter for students in 1st through 8th grade, with the option to form a new team or join an existing one. The 1st-8th Grade program offers 2 divisions, beginner and advanced, and teams will practice once per week with games on Saturdays.
Rookie Basketball
Rookie Sports are designed to be your child's first experience with sports! Children will be introduced to sports in a positive, fun environment designed to teach fundamentals, teamwork, and develop a love for sports and physical activity. Rookie basketball is a 6-week program consisting of 2 weeks of practice and 4 weeks of games hosted at your home branch for those in pre-K to Kindergarten. Each team will be led by a volunteer coach and each player will receive a YMCA Rookie Sports T-Shirt as part of their registration!
Metro League
The YMCA Metro League is an exciting opportunity for high school students in the Des Moines Metro and surrounding areas. Students in grades 9-12 who DO NOT play on their high school basketball teams can join in on 10 regular-season games played with certified referees and an eight-team playoff. With two divisions split into Underclassmen (9th and 10th grade) and Upperclassmen (11th and 12th grade) to keep games fun and competitive, the YMCA Metro League is a great experience for any student who wants to play basketball.
We Offer Basketball at These Locations
Branch
Other Relevant Programs
Flag Football
Youth flag football at the Y offers boys and girls the opportunity to play the healthy way. Our program emphasizes skill development, teamwork and competition designed with fun and safety in mind.
Soccer
Our youth soccer program teaches kids the fundamentals of the world's most popular soprt and provides opportunities for fun, healthy, positive competition.