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Keep kids active this winter with Glen Ellyn Park District's youth basketball

The Glen Ellyn Park District's Winter Youth Basketball League, for boys and girls in first to eighth grades, is around the corner!

Whether your child is a seasoned player or joining for the first time, make sure you register before the Nov. 1 deadline.

New this season, the park district is offering free clinics for players who have registered for the winter league.

"The purpose of these co-ed clinics is to help players get the rust off," said Christine Hartnett, recreation supervisor for the Glen Ellyn Park District. "Participants have to be registered for the Youth Basketball League in order to be able to attend. They'll work with coaches on dribbling, passing, and shooting skills during this refresher class. This is the first time we've offered free clinics like this; we expect them to be popular, so anyone interested should register quickly, as space is limited."

Clinics for first- and second-graders will be held Monday, Dec. 3, from 5 to 6:15 p.m. and from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m.

On Monday, Dec. 10, the third- and fourth-grade clinic will run from 5 to 6:15 p.m., and the fifth- and sixth-grade clinic will run from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m.

The final clinic, for seventh- and eighth-graders, will be held Monday, Dec. 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

"Another change we've made this season is that third- and fourth-graders will join the older kids in attending an evaluation session on Dec. 1," added Hartnett. "All players in grades 3 and up will be drafted to teams by coaches. The younger kids in grades 1-2 will continue to be placed on teams according to their schools."

Participants will enjoy a friendly, supportive playing atmosphere, as the Glen Ellyn Park District's Winter Youth Basketball League coaches focus on teaching the rules and skills of basketball, in addition to promoting good sportsmanship. All players will have an equal opportunity to participate in games and practices, regardless of their skill level.

Teams will meet once each week for a practice session, and games are held on Saturdays at the Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center.

"Last season, we had over 750 kids participate," Hartnett said. "We encourage families to register their child before the November 1st deadline so we can guarantee a spot on a team. After Nov. 1, we start a wait list and do our best to find a spot for each player, but we can't guarantee it."

The Glen Ellyn Park District offers separate Winter Youth Basketball Leagues for boys and girls.

Practices begin the week of Jan. 7, and league play begins Jan. 19.

For more information, visit www.gepark.org/winter-youth-basketball, or contact Christine Hartnett at chartnett@gepark.org.

To register, visit www.gepark.org/register.

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