Registration Now Open! YBC Youth Basketball Returns in Partnership with Elite 8 Basketball Academy -

The Sault Ste. Marie YMCA, in partnership with the Elite 8 Basketball Academy, is pleased to announce the return of YBC Youth Basketball this Spring.

“YBC youth basketball has been a cornerstone of YMCA youth sports for decades,” explains the
Y’s Public Relations Manager, Don Ferguson. “The popular program ran for almost 60 years
offering local children and youth an opportunity to learn basketball and life skills through drills
and league play in a fun, safe and inclusive YMCA environment. Unfortunately, the program was
halted in 2020 with the onset of COVID-19. Limited coaching resources had proven to be a
challenge in getting YBC started again, but the opportunity to partner with the Elite 8 Basketball
Academy now affords us an opportunity to relaunch the program, and we couldn’t be more
excited.”

YBC youth basketball is open to kids ages 6 to 13. Players will be assigned to programs based
on age groups. The YMCA and the Elite 8 Basketball Academy hope to be able to fill enough
spots for four teams in each age group: 6 to 7 years, 8 to 9 years, 10 to 11 years, and 12 to 13
years.

The program will run for 8 weeks on Saturdays, from May 17th to July 5 th at the YMCA. Each
session with include skills development and a scheduled game. Players will stay with their
teams and coaches throughout the entire program. Standings will be kept and a champion
crowned.

Ryan Lillington, president of the Elite 8 Basketball Academy explains that the return of YBC will
fill a significant hole in local basketball skills training.

“When I started this Academy, the goal was to fill the gaps in basketball programming in our
community. Perhaps the biggest gap in programming has been the absence of YBC. Bob Gibbs,
Cindy Ougler, and so many others in our community worked hard to keep that league running
for years and we’re extremely excited build on that legacy, to partner with the YMCA to bring
back YBC, and add many other fantastic basketball programs as we move forward.”

Registration for YBC is now open. Parents and youth interested in learning more and registering
can get started here.

Registration is $60 for YMCA members and $120 for non members, but Lillington stresses that
there will never be a situation where a child does not participate due to registration cost. If a
family is struggling financially, he suggests that they contact the Elite 8 Basketball Academy or
the YMCA so that steps can be taken so that that child can participate.

Registration includes a Nike YBC Reversible Jersey and a Nike Basketball. The registration
deadline is April 30 th , but you can still register after the deadline if there is space available.
The Sault Ste. Marie YMCA is also currently holding a YBC Shoe Drive.

The Y is looking for GENTLY USED kids, youth, and young-adult size basketball, athletic, or running shoes to provide to YBC participants who would benefit from appropriate footwear. Drop your shoes off to the YMCA from Saturday, April 12th to Saturday, April 26th!