(Sept. 12) -- For years, the YMCA of Southeast Missouri hosted basketball leagues for local children in 1^st through 6^th grade. However, this year, Sikeston Parks and Recreation will be the host for the 3^rd-6^th grade co-ed youth basketball program.

The YMCA of Southeast Missouri will continue to host the 1^st and 2^nd grade league for the upcoming season.

“Being able to take lead on the youth basketball league for the upcoming season is so exciting,” said Abbi Lindsey, recreation coordinator for Sikeston Parks and Recreation. “This league will be the only city-ran sports league offered in Sikeston right now - all others are done through outside organizations. My goal in my position as rec coordinator is to offer fun, family-friendly, affordable programs, and events for our community and this is just the excitement our department needed for this winter, which is typically a slower time for us, recreationally speaking.” 

Registration for the 3^rd-6^th grade leagues will open Oct. 6 and will remain open until Dec. 2. No registrations will be taken after Dec. 2.

Registration will be available both online (cards only) and in-person (cash/check). Registration online will be available (starting Oct. 6) at bookeo.com/sikestonparksandrec or in-person on Oct. 6, 14, 16 and 29, Nov. 4, 19 and 30 or Dec. 2.

The cost to register is $70 per player.

Practices will begin the week of Jan. 8 with games on Saturdays starting Jan. 20.

“Thanks to the partnership with the Y and Sikeston Public Schools we'll be able to see through with a well-anticipated youth sport Sikeston holds so near and dear to their hearts,” Lindsey said. “We haven't lined out all of the details just yet but should have agreements finalized soon for our practice and game locations along with the other behind the scenes operations.”

Lindsey added there is a need of volunteer coaches and paid positions for referees, scorekeepers, and bookkeepers. Anyone interested in any of those jobs, can reach out at to Lindsey at alindsey@sikeston.org for more information.

Lindsey also said the league needs sponsors. The cost to sponsor one team is $200 and $300 to sponsor two teams. The sponsors logo will appear on the team jersey. Anyone wanting to sponsor a team, can contact Lindsey at alindsey@sikeston,org for more information.

“I am looking forward to meeting all of our new players and hope everyone comes with the same excitement and enthusiasm to take part in this program as myself and my department,” Lindsey said. “I know we have a great support structure in parents and friends throughout our community that have the same vision as us - to see the kids in our community grow and flourish in a fun, positive and uplifting atmosphere. I love that we can come together to put the kids first and prioritize their needs for recreation on this new level.” 

While the YMCA won’t host the 3^rd-6^th grade leagues, they will be hosting a new program: a Youth Basketball Clinic, led by YMCA intern, JT Jones. The clinic will be offered Oct. 9 -Nov. 18 for 1st-6th graders on Mondays and Thursdays. This clinic will focus on age-appropriate skill development (i.e. ball handling, passing, shooting, etc).

Please visit the YMCA website ymcasemo.net for more information regarding their registration process.