hard deadlines

At last night's School Committee meeting, the leadership of Portsmouth Youth Baskeetball (PYB) announced today's launch, and met with an enthusiastic reception from school officials.

"One of the things that has been lacking in Portsmouth is a youth basketball program," said Jeff Swider, president of the new, non-profit league. Aimed at grades 2 through 8, with three divisions: Co-ed "rookies" (2-3rd grade), and girl-boy teams for NCAA (4-5th) and NBA (6-8th), PYB aims to fill that gap.

L-R Keith Kosoff, Jeff Swider.

Compared to our town's other outstanding sports options, basketball at the early ages has been conspicuous in its absence, the PYB leaders noted. "By the time kids get to high school in Portsmouth," said Keith Kosoff, VP of the league, "Basketball is often a second or third sport, and the fundamentals aren't there."

Since this is an educational league, kids of all skill levels are welcome, and the practices and games will focus on "enhancing and improving a player's game in a positive environment centered around sportsmanship and teamwork."

The 14-week season begins December 1st, and registration fees are around $90. More information and on-line signup is available on the PYB web site. Portsmouth students will also be getting a flyer through the schools, and the e-mail address for more info is info[at]portsmouthyouthbasketball[dot]com.

While the School Committee and administration were very supportive, the league officials stressed that they have a lot of start-up costs to get this innovative program off the ground, and have asked for a temporary reduction in facility fees (since practices and games will be at PMS and the high school.) Obviously reluctant to set a precedent, the committee and administration will be looking over the numbers, and I'm sure they'll make a thoughtful decision about this. PYB will be a great addition, bringing parity to basketball alongside al our other wonderful junior sports leagues here in town. Best of luck for a great first season!

Update:
At the School Committee meeting on Oct. 9, the committee voted unanimously to give the group an additional 15% discount on the rates for the gym, to help them out in their start-up year. While not as much as they were hoping for, PYB president Jeff Swider said, "It does help. We appreciate your consideration."