Recreation Department Youth Basketball Wants YOU
The Recreation Department Youth Basketball program, playing November through February, is building rapidly and seeking players and coaches.
The Burlington Parks & Recreation Youth Basketball program is now registering players in grades K-8, and you could be the next coach of this redesigned and rapidly building program.
Burlington doesn't have a travel basketball program until fourth grade, says one of the program's coaches, Bryan Corrigan, and kids who are younger need ample opportunities to play and practice in order to qualify for the highly selective travel team. The Recreation Department Youth Basketball program has a 40-year history of serving Burlington's children, with many Burlington adults participating as coaches in the program. Year after year, the Department continues to evolve the offering to fit the needs of the community, says Program Coordinator Jeff DiSalvo, and registration is now open.
The Recreation Youth Basketball program has opened up opportunities for Burlington youth interested in pursuing basketball. Players in grades K-3 have the opportunity to participate in a rigorous preparation program and kids in grades 4-8 can level up their skills, whether or not they're on the travel team. Just last year, 44 participants in grades 4 and 5 took part (in four teams of 11), and Corrigan says he thinks it has reached equivalency with other local programs.
Players participate in one practice per week using the school gymnasiums, with games on Saturdays. They use scoreboards and keep track of stats, and all players get equal playing time and the opportunity to rotate through positions. The goal for this year is to have referees for each game.
Kids with a wide range of skills can participate. Says Corrigan, "Join, even if you haven’t played before. If you’re a serious player, it’s an opportunity to get more reps and step outside your comfort zone." The program runs November through February. Register your player here!
Are you a basketball fan looking to coach a team in a supportive environment? The Recreation Department is seeking coaches with any level of experience for their Youth Basketball program. The time commitment is a couple of hours per week (one hour for weekday practice and one hour for Saturday games), and coaching leadership will provide the support you need. Reach out to Jeff DiSalvo at jdisalvo@burlington.org or 781-270-1695 for more information.
Editor's Note: A previous version of this article suggested there was no Recreation basketball program prior to 2023-24. This was inaccurate and we apologize for the error.
