KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney and Kearney Family YMCA are teaming up to host a free youth basketball program this summer.
USA Basketball Open Court sessions will be offered each Thursday from June 8 to Aug. 10 at the local YMCA, 4500 Sixth Ave., giving youths ages 6-17 an opportunity to participate in the game in a fun, safe and developmentally appropriate environment.
“The USA Basketball Open Court program provides world-class basketball instruction to young athletes within and around Kearney. This is a great opportunity for youths who are interested in basketball to learn the fundamentals in a safe and welcoming environment. For those who have experience playing basketball, they can expect to develop their skill set through specific drills and live play,” said Quincy Johnson, an assistant professor in the UNK Department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences.
Johnson will serve as the lead coordinator for the local Open Court program and Courtney Burbach, program director at Kearney Family YMCA, is the assistant coordinator. All programs are operated by USA Basketball-licensed coaches.
During each session, participants can choose how to engage in the sport through free play such as skill games, five-on-five, three-on-three and station options during their designated age-based time slots. Ages 6-9 will play from 6-7 p.m. each night and ages 10-13 and 14-17 will play from 6-8 p.m.
Registration for the USA Basketball program opens April 10. Call Kearney Family YMCA at 308-237-9622 to sign up.
