Basketball Program

Did you know that basketball was invented by the Y in 1891 at the International YMCA Training School?

Dr. James Naismith was given the challenge of creating a game that could be played indoors during the cold winter months. Hanging simple peach baskets and using a soccer ball, Naismith created the game of basketball and wrote the first 13 rules of the game. Find more with the YMCA of Central Kentucky!

Youth Basketball Leagues

From building stronger skills to gaining self-confidence, basketball at the Y is about more than just the game, it is about building the whole child, from the inside out. Trained coaches focus on building players core skills such as ball handling, defense, offense, rebounding, shooting, conditioning, and more. All levels are welcome and will be separated by age for leagues and skill level for our season-ending tournaments in those leagues.

Youth Skills Classes

Introduce your child to a game filled with action, fun, and teamwork. Through learning and refining ball handling to strengthening defensive and offensive skills, your child will learn the fundamentals with positive coaching and personal attention as we lay the foundation for league play.

REGISTER FOR LEAGUES

REGISTER FOR SKILLS CLASSES

Basketball FAQ
 

No. You do not have to be a YMCA member to participate in our youth basketball leagues; sports are open to all in the community. Members enjoy lower registration fees.  

YMCA basketball is available for youth, age 3 to age 12. 

  • The 3-year-old program meets once per week at its selected time and location.   Participants are introduced to the game and skills of basketball.
  • The 4/5 league utilizes a “Practice-Play” to allow participants to have fun and develop their skills.   Teams meet once per week on Saturdays and go through a training session with volunteer coaches followed by a game vs. another team. 
  • The 6/7, 8/9, and 10/12 leagues meet once during the week for practice and on Saturdays for games. 

Each season, notification of the first week of practice, first game date, no-game days, and final game dates are finalized and communicated before the first week of practice.  

The YMCA of Central KY basketball leagues operates out of these facilities:  

  • C.M. Gatton Beaumont YMCA 

  • High Street YMCA 

  • North Lexington Family YMCA 

  • Whitaker Family YMCA 

  • Capital City Church (Frankfort) 

In-session communication 
The YMCA of Central Kentucky utilizes PlayerSpace, a sports league management and communication platform that connects players, parents, coaches and sports directors. We will use PlayerSpace as our primary communication platform for sharing game schedules, team rosters, cancellations and other important information. Download the PlayerSpace app for Apple or Android.  
 
Other communication 
The YMCA of Central KY utilizes email and text communication for other updates, including registration, weather, facility, and membership information. You may update your contact information and communication preferences here.  

  • Once logged in, click on EDIT PROFILE to review your email and primary phone 

  • Click on the settings gear icon to update your text and email preferences 

Yes, financial assistance is available for YMCA of Central KY youth sports. To begin the application process, please click here.  You do not need to be a YMCA member in order to qualify for Financial Assistance for programs. The maximum amount of financial assistance awarded for youth sports is 50% of the cost of the session. 

The YMCA always welcomes the opportunity to speak with individuals looking to maintain a fun and fair playing environment for our players and their families. If you are a sports fan and are interested in this part-time work, please click here or email hr@ymcacky.org

We are grateful for our volunteer coaches! In addition to coaching the players for the season, coaches will communicate with families and Y staff to keep a smooth program running for the entire session.  Every coach must complete a background check. At the conclusion of the flag football season all YMCA volunteer coaches will receive 50% off a future program fee at the YMCA of Central KY.