Jr. Celtics Little Hoopsters

The Jr. Celtics basketball program, launched with the Boston Celtics and Reebok, is a values and skill-based sports program designed to help young student athletes progress successfully into competitive sports.

The Jr. Celtics Little Hoopsters program is a co-ed preschool program for 3 - 4 year olds.

This program will emphasize fun, personal excellence and skills while deemphasizing winning at all costs and encouraging healthy competition.  The program follows the YMCA's youth sports model and instills in every player that they are a winner by emphasizing that:

• Everyone Plays:  Every player is placed on a team and coached by a trained volunteer.  Each participant will be given the opportunity to play.  All players will have the opportunity to play different positions in the game.
• Sportsmanship/Competition:  Learning how to compete with a positive attitude is the foundation of the Jr. Celtics program.  Respect for players, coaches, officials and parents are required at all games and practices.  The outcome of all games is kept in perspective.
• Youth Wellness:  The improvement of the player's flexibility, muscle tone and cardiovascular efficiency is stressed.
• Family Involvement:  Family members are encouraged to become involved as coaches, officials, scorekeepers and spectators.
• Teamwork/Fair Play:  Each team is asked to work together to form an effective unit.  The coaches, officials and parents also work together toward the same goal.  Teaching leadership and taking responsibility as a team are important elements.
• Character Development:  Through the program, kids learn the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
• Fun:  Playing and having fun is the basic goal of the Jr. Celtics program and all YMCA youth sport activities.