Two new youth basketball programs are coming to the city in the new year, courtesy of a partnership between Guelph Nighthawks and YMCA of Three Rivers.
The organizations announced Monday that they’re teaming up to help youths, grow the sport locally and, potentially, develop future professional players.
Nighthawks coaching staff will join the existing YMCA youth basketball program, which is being rebranded as Y-Hawks Basketball, and the Nighthawks’ eight-week Hoops Development Series is moving to the YMCA in Guelph beginning Jan. 17.
“As we build towards our fourth season in Guelph one of our key goals has been to reconnect with our community and make the sport of basketball more accessible to all,” said Cameron Kusch, Guelph Nighthawks president, in a news release.
“This partnership will allow each of us to better deliver on that objective by making the sport of basketball accessible to our youth, no matter their skillset, while helping to grow the game through our coaching staff and in the process develop future Nighthawks.”
In addition to basketball programming, the partnership will see existing YMCA of Three Rivers members with discounted registration for the Hoops initiative as well as 2022 Nighthawks season tickets.
In turn, ticket holders will receive discounts on YMCA membership.
“Through this partnership we will be able to strengthen our recreational basketball programs for youth by having the skilled coaching staff from the Nighthawks facilitate the new Y-Hawks Basketball program,” stated Melissa Haynes, manager of youth and community programs for YMCA of Three Rivers, in the release. “In addition, we are thrilled to have the YMCA become the home of the Nighthawks Hoops Development Series program, giving youth the opportunity to access elite level basketball skill development programs.”
In addition to basketball programming, the partnership will see existing YMCA of Three Rivers members with discounted registration for the Hoops initiative as well as 2022 Nighthawks season tickets.
In turn, ticket holders will receive discounts on YMCA membership.
The Hoops series provides youth aged 9-16 an opportunity to receive coaching from the Guelph Nighthawks coaching staff in small groups which allows for more one-on-one style training.
The Y-Hawks Basketball program is designed to improve basic individual basketball skills in a fun environment that promotes sportsmanship, communication and teamwork.
For more information or to register for the Hoops Development Series visit www.thenighthawks.ca/hds2022.
