Youth Basketball League (YBL)
🏀 2026–2027 Season | Jamestown Area YMCA
The Tom Buttafaro Youth Basketball Program
More Than Basketball. Building Great Kids!
At the YMCA, we believe basketball is about more than scoring points and winning games. It's about building confidence, developing friendships, learning teamwork, and having fun!
The Tom Buttafaro Youth Basketball Program welcomes boys and girls in grades 1–8, from beginners learning the game to more experienced players looking to improve their skills.
Our program puts the child first and the sport second, creating a positive, encouraging environment where every player has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
Through fair play, sportsmanship, teamwork, and equal participation, we help young athletes develop skills that go far beyond the basketball court.
At the Y, we don't just develop basketball players. We develop great kids!
🏀 Who Can Play?
Our Youth Basketball League is open to boys and girls in grades 1–8 from Jamestown and surrounding school districts.
Players of all skill levels are encouraged to participate, whether they're picking up a basketball for the first time or have played for several seasons.
Participants may register with their school district team, if one is available, or join a YMCA team.
Please Note: To maintain a recreational atmosphere and provide a positive experience for all participants, 7th- and 8th-grade students currently playing varsity basketball are not eligible to participate.
While players may request a specific team, placement on that team is not guaranteed.
League Divisions
Division |
Grade Levels |
|---|---|
| Co-ed | Grades 1–2 |
| Girls | Grades 3–5 |
| Girls | Grades 6–8 |
| Boys | Grades 3–4 |
| Boys | Grades 5–6 |
| Boys | Grades 7–8 |
📅 Important Dates
Get ready for another exciting season of YMCA Youth Basketball!
Event |
Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | October 8, 2026 |
| Coaches Meeting | November 14, 2026 |
| Registration Deadline | November 19, 2026 |
| Skill Evaluations | November 21, 2026 |
| Team Practices Begin | December 2026 |
| Games Begin | Saturday, January 2, 2027 |
Don't miss your chance to be part of the fun! Register before the November 19 deadline.
🏀 Skill Evaluations
Saturday, November 21, 2026
Skill evaluations help us better understand each player's abilities so we can create balanced teams and provide a fun, positive experience for everyone.
Evaluations are designed to help place players appropriately, regardless of their experience level.
Skill Evaluation Schedule
Division |
Time |
|---|---|
| Co-ed Grades 1–2 | 9:00–10:00 AM |
| Boys Grades 3–4 | 10:00–11:00 AM |
| Girls Grades 3–5 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM |
| Boys Grades 5–6 | 12:00–1:00 PM |
| Girls Grades 6–8 | 1:00–2:00 PM |
| Boys Grades 7–8 | 2:00–3:00 PM |
All experience levels are welcome! Our goal is to help every child feel comfortable, confident, and excited about the upcoming season.
💲 League Registration Fees
YMCA Members: $50
Potential Members (Non-Members): $100
Financial Assistance Available
At the YMCA, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to participate, regardless of financial circumstances.
Financial assistance is available for qualifying families to help make our Youth Basketball League accessible to everyone.
To request a financial assistance application, email [email protected], stop by the Welcome Centers at both Lakewood & JCC YMCA locations, or print the scholarship form.
Once the form is complete, drop it off with the registration form or email it to the address above.
📝 How to Register
Ready to join the team? Registration is easy!
Register In Person: Visit the Welcome Center at either the Lakewood Family YMCA or JCC YMCA location.
Register Online: Complete your registration online using the registration link.
Registration deadline: November 19, 2026.
🙌 Volunteer With Us!
Help Make a Difference, One Player at a Time!
Our Youth Basketball League wouldn't be possible without the dedication of our amazing volunteers!
Whether you love basketball or simply enjoy supporting children in our community, there are many ways to get involved.
Volunteer Opportunities Include:
-
Head Coaches
-
Assistant Coaches
-
Referees
-
Scorekeepers
-
Photographers
-
Videographers
Volunteering is a great way to give back, encourage young athletes, and help create lasting memories for the children in our program.
Interested in volunteering? Contact our Youth Basketball Program to learn more about available opportunities.
🤝 Become a Youth Basketball Sponsor
Support Our Players. Strengthen Our Community.
Local businesses and community partners play an important role in helping the YMCA provide quality youth programs.
By supporting our Youth Basketball League, you're helping create opportunities for children to stay active, build confidence, develop friendships, and learn valuable life skills.
Your support helps us continue providing a welcoming environment where every child has the opportunity to grow and succeed.
Interested in sponsorship opportunities?
Email [email protected] to learn how your business can get involved.
📞 Questions? We're Here to Help!
For additional information about the YMCA Youth Basketball League, registration, volunteering, or financial assistance, please contact:
Jamestown Area YMCA Youth Basketball Program
Phone: (716) 664-2802
-
Lakewood YMCA: Ext. 250
-
JCC YMCA: Ext. 210
Email: [email protected]
🏀 At the Y, Every Child Is a Winner!
More than hoops. More than points. A place where every child grows, belongs, and has FUN!
Whether your child is learning to dribble, making their first basket, or building friendships with teammates, YMCA Youth Basketball is about creating experiences and memories that last a lifetime.
Join us for the 2026–2027 season and discover why basketball at the Y is about so much more than the game!