At the Gateway Region YMCA, we offer dynamic youth basketball leagues for kids throughout the St. Louis region and Southwest Illinois. Our preschool through 8th grade programs welcome all skill levels and are designed to improve basketball skills, promote physical fitness, and teach the value of teamwork and sportsmanship.
Winter Basketball is Here! Sign Up by December 9th to Save $15.
Age Appropriate Leagues
Y sports challenge kids at every level to build their skills in a positive, inclusive environment where everyone gets a chance to play!
Practice and Game Days
Weekly evening practices and games on Saturdays. Six to seven games per session and in-house tournaments offered for grades 3 and up.
Affordable Sports for All
Y members get up to 50% off youth sports, and families can save $15 during early bird registration. The Y offers financial assistance to ensure everyone can participate.
Preschool Basketball
Introduce Your Little Ones to Basketball Fun
Our Preschool Basketball program is perfect for children aged 3-5 who are new to the game. This program focuses on basic skill development in a fun and supportive environment.
Sign Up for Preschool Basketball
Parent-Child Participation
Parents are encouraged to join in the fun and learning!
Skill Focus
Dribbling, shooting, and basic game understanding.
Session Length & Schedule
6-week program with an end-of-season tournament. 45-minute, weekly practices.
Winter Sports Season
February 1 - March 15, 2025
Practices Begin the Week of January 20, 2025.
Early Bird Registration:
September 30 - December 9, 2024
Open Registration:
December 10, 2024 - January 6, 2025
Winter sports at most Y locations include Youth Basketball and Youth Volleyball.
Spring Sports Season
April 5 - May 17
Practices Begin the Week of March 24.
Early Bird Registration:
November 25, 2024 - February 17, 2025
Open Registration:
February 18 - March 3
Spring sports offered at most Y locations include Youth Volleyball.
Summer Sports Season
June 14 - August 2
Practices Begin the Week of June 2.
Early Bird Registration:
February 24 - April 28
Open Registration:
April 29 - May 12
Summer sports offered at most Y locations include T-Ball, Baseball, and Softball.
Fall I Sports Season
September 6 - October 11
Practices Begin the Week of August 25.
Early Bird Registration:
May 26 - July 21
Open Registration:
July 22 - August 4
Fall I sports offered at most Y locations include Soccer, Volleyball, and Flag Football.
Fall II Sports Season
November 1 - December 13
Practices Begin the Week of October 20.
Early Bird Registration:
July 7 - September 15
Open Registration:
September 16 - 29
Fall II sports offered at most Y locations include Youth Basketball and Youth Volleyball leagues.
Private Sports Coaching
Elevate Your Game with Personalized Support & Training
For young athletes eager to take their basketball skills to the next level, the Gateway Region YMCA offers exclusive private sports coaching sessions. These personalized training options provide children with the opportunity to work one-on-one with our experienced sports coaches, focusing on individual skill advancement and strategic understanding of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We offer programs for children ages 3-14, with specific leagues and clinics tailored to different age brackets, including preschool basketball programs for younger players.
Registration can be completed online through our website or in-person at any Gateway Region YMCA branch.
Program fees vary; the Y offers financial assistance ensuring affordable youth basketball registration for all families. YMCA members receive discounts of up to 50% on youth sports, and families can save an additional $15 by registering within early bird registration dates.
Our basketball seasons typically run in the fall and winter, with exact dates listed on our program schedule above. Click here to view the 2024-2025 Sports Season Schedule.
Jerseys are provided. Basketballs are provided for practices. Players should bring their own basketball shoes and water bottle.
Our coaches are enthusiastic and caring individuals that volunteer their time to make each season a success. Coaches receive training through the YMCA to help them in practice plan development. Coaches often return season after season to help our athletes grow as people and in the sport.
Games and practices are held at various YMCA and partner facilities across St. Louis and Southwest Illinois. Game and practice locations for your child’s team will be shared through the Y Gametime mobile app.
Absolutely! Our programs are designed to develop skills at all levels - from beginner basketball programs for preschoolers to more instructional basketball programs for kids in grades K-8. Looking for individualized skill development for your child? Check out our clinics and private/semi-private coaching for more tailored training.
Teams are formed based on age, skill level, availability, and, when possible, player or coach requests.
Refunds are available under certain conditions. In the case you need to cancel, please note these policies:
- Any cancellation made prior to the registration deadline will receive a 100% refund.
- Cancellations received after the registration deadline will be subject to a $25 fee.
- No refunds issued for cancellations after the second scheduled game.
Updates are provided through email notifications and our mobile app, Y Gametime. Ensure your contact information is up to date when registering for a youth basketball program.
Become a Super Fan: Skip the Line and Jump into the Action!
Introducing the YMCA's Super Fan Pass—your all-access ticket to sideline excitement without the wait. For all non-member enthusiasts eager to support their youth sports stars, this pass lets you head straight to the fun. (Because who wants to wait when the game's about to start?)
How to Get Your Super Fan Pass:
✅ Visit your local YMCA Welcome Center and request a Super Fan Pass.
✅ Present your photo ID.
✅ Grab your pass and enjoy the game!
Note: The Gateway Region YMCA is proudly accredited by Praesidium and strictly follows a zero-tolerance policy regarding child abuse. We require ID checks and conduct screenings to ensure the safety of all members at our branches.
Resources for Parents and Players
Youth Sports Parent Handbook
YMCA Coaches Handbook
Sports and the YMCA
Discover the Home of Basketball
Did you know that the YMCA is the birthplace of basketball? In 1891, Dr. James Naismith, a physical education instructor at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts, invented basketball as an indoor sport to keep his students active during the winter months.
Over 130 Years of Basketball Excellence
Our programs have evolved, but our commitment to nurturing young athletes remains steadfast. By enrolling in our basketball programs, your child becomes part of a rich tradition that promotes teamwork, respect, and community—the foundational principles set forth by James Naismith.
Continuing the Tradition in St. Louis and Southwest Illinois
At the Gateway Region YMCA, we carry forward this legacy by offering inclusive youth basketball programs tailored to today's young athletes. Our connection to the sport's history enhances our commitment to creating an environment where families connect through a shared love of basketball.
Join Us in Making History
By choosing YMCA Youth Basketball, you're not just signing up for a sport—you're becoming part of a story that began over a century ago. Give your child the opportunity to learn and grow within an organization that doesn't just teach basketball but invented it.
Your Child's Safety is Our Top Priority
Serving the youth in our community is a vital part of our mission, and we are committed to creating a safe environment for the thousands of children and teens we serve every year.
The Gateway Region YMCA has been awarded Praesidium Accreditation® by Praesidium, the leader in abuse risk management. Praesidium Accreditation® is a prestigious honor that publicly demonstrates the organization has worked to achieve the highest industry standards in abuse prevention.
Health Guidelines:
- Regular sanitization of facilities and equipment.
- Adherence to CDC recommendations.
Trained and Screened Staff:
- All staff are certified in First Aid and CPR.
- Coaches receive training in youth safety and wellness.
- Coaches, volunteers, and staff are required to pass criminal background checks.
- Adult members and guests in our facilities are screened against a national sex offender registry.
Emergency Procedures:
- Clear protocols for injuries and emergencies.
- Immediate communication with parents in case of incidents.