WHERE OUR COMMUNITY’S KIDS LEARN TEAMWORK AND SPORTSMANSHIP
Through the New Canaan YMCA’s Y-Ball program, basketball is more than a game—it’s a place to grow. Our program challenges players to sharpen their skills, think like a team, and compete with heart. On the court, kids discover the value of hustle, sportsmanship, and respect. Off the court, they form lasting friendships and a lifelong love for the game; all in a fun, supportive environment where every player belongs.
The Y-Ball league for players in kindergarten through eighth grade offers a fun, supportive recreational environment where players develop their skills and deepen their understanding of basketball, both in practice and real game situations. Led by volunteer coaches with guidance from the New Canaan YMCA Sports Department, each team will enjoy one hour-long weeknight practice and games on Saturdays.
The league is open to boys and girls in grades K-8 and is broken out into the following structure:
Registration Ends: Monday, August 10, 2026 (Family Member Priority) & Wednesday, August 12 (Youth & Non-Members)
Registration Ends: Friday, November 20, 2026*
K-8 Practice Begins: Monday, November 30, 2026
K-8 Season: Saturday, December 5, 2026-Saturday, March 20, 2027
*Any participant in grades K-8 not registered by Friday, November 20, will be placed on a waiting list and will not be guaranteed a spot in the program. Participants looking to register after the deadline on Friday, November 20, may contact [email protected].
Please Note: League schedule follows the NCPS school calendar. Games and practices will not be held on the following dates: 12/21/26-1/3/27; 2/15/27-2/21/27
Weekly Practice Schedule
Teams practice one hour, one evening a week (Monday – Friday). Practice days, times, and locations are determined by gym availability and coaches’ availability. Players will have an opportunity to indicate a day of the week they are UNABLE to attend a practice. Efforts will be made to honor unavailable days selected but are NOT guaranteed. Players will not be placed on a team to help accommodate travel arrangements. Teams will have one game per week on Saturday. Games are 60 minutes and will be posted on the New Canaan YMCA’s League website.
Evaluations:
Grades 3-8 will be evaluated individually. Player evaluations will be broken up into small groups. This year, we will hold two sessions for each division so those who may not be able to attend one can attend the other. The evaluation will consist of more game-like competition and fewer skill drills to get a more accurate reading of their basketball ability in a game.
Player evaluation will take place Monday, November 2, through November 13. Exact days and times will be determined at a later date and depend on the number of registrants. Participants will receive an email by November 25 with their team, coach, and practice information. Practices begin the week of November 30. Once rosters are posted, player transfers/changes will only be approved by Oliver Weight, Manager of Basketball & League Operations, in extenuating circumstances.
***Please understand that due to the magnitude of this program, we cannot honor any special requests for team placement with individual coaches or other players.***
