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: Friday, November 21, 2025*
K-8 Practice Begins: Monday, December 1, 2025
K-8 Season: Saturday, December 6, 2025-Saturday, March 21, 2026
*Any participant in grades K-8 not registered by Friday, November 21, 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 21, may contact [email protected].
Please Note: League schedule follows the NCPS school calendar. Games and practices will not be held on the following dates: 12/22/25-1/4/26; 2/16/26-2/22/26
Weekly Practice Schedule
Teams practice one hour, one evening a week (Monday – Friday). Practice days, times, and locations are determined based on gym availability as well as 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 the unavailable days selected, but they 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.
Preseason Clinics
We highly encourage our Y-Ball participants to join our weekly preseason clinic, taking place on Saturdays from 9:30-12:30 PM through Saturday, November 22. More details can be found here.
Evaluations:
Following evaluations, the Boys’ 7th/8th Grade Division will take part in a Draft Night at the YMCA. Coaches will draft their teams based on evaluation results. More details on the date and format will be shared soon.
Practices begin the week of December 1st. Once rosters are posted, player transfers/changes will only be approved by the Sports Director 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.***
