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Play Basketball at the YMCA of San Diego County


The YMCA of San Diego County offers a variety of basketball programs for all skill levels, from beginners learning the basics to competitive leagues for seasoned players. Whether you’re looking to build confidence, stay active or be part of a team, our programs provide a fun and supportive environment for youth and adults alike. Join us on the court, develop your skills, and experience the excitement of YMCA basketball!

Historical photo of the Jackie Robinson Basketball team

DID YOU KNOW?

Basketball is truly a global sport—and it all began at the YMCA.
Dr. James Naismith, a young faculty member at the YMCA International Training School, sought to engage uninterested students by creating a new game. Inspired by team sports, he introduced basketball in 1891 using a peach basket and a soccer ball. The first game was played on December 21, 1891. Today, the YMCA continues this tradition with basketball programs for all ages and skill levels, promoting teamwork, sportsmanship, communication and exercise.

BASKETBALL PROGRAMS OFFERED AT THE YMCA

The Y offers basketball leagues, lessons and clinics for kids who are 3 to 17 years old. Leagues offer recreational and competitive programs where participants will be included on teams and play games against one another. Lessons and clinics focus on teaching participants about sportsmanship, skill development and strength training. 

basketball leagues

Leagues offer recreational and competitive programs where participants will be included on teams and play games against one another. Our leagues provide the chance for every player to develop their discipline, sportsmanship, strength and endurance. While practices are geared toward strengthening your child’s individual skills, game time emphasizes each player’s understanding of the sport, game rules and team competition. 

Y volunteer coaches focus on developing a sense of teamwork in a setting that encourages fun, healthy, age-appropriate competition. By the end of the season, your child will have gained a better understanding of the sport, its rules and the basic skills. 

teen basketball player

RECREATIONAL LEAGUES | ages 4-17

Practice schedules vary branch to branch, all games take place on Saturdays. Once enrolled, your child’s coaches will contact you with more information. 

REGISTRATION REMAINS OPEN UNTIL ALL TEAMS ARE FULL.

WINTER 2025-2026

Coed Youth Basketball League (Ages 6-17) |  FIND SESSIONS 
League includes one practice and one game on a weekly basis. Games will take place on Saturdays.

Equipment Needed: All participants should wear athletic attire to practice and games: Closed-toed shoes, shorts and t-shirt. Jerseys will be handed to each participant prior to the first game. If jersey delivery is delayed, all parents will be notified via email.

Schedule: Beginning Week of January 12, 2026

  • Ages 6-7 & 8-9: Practice on Mondays | 5:30-6:30pm.
    • Games on Thursdays | 5:30-6:30pm
  • Ages 10-12: Practice on Mondays from 6:30-7:30pm & Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30pm.
    • Games on Saturdays (Traveling Required).
  • Ages 13-17: Practice on Mondays from 7:30-8:30pm & Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30pm.
    • Games on Saturdays (Traveling Required).
  •  

Questions? Contact our Program Director, Mike Valle at mvalle@ymcasd.org.

WINTER 2025-2026

Peewee Youth League (Ages 4-5) | FIND SESSIONS
League includes one practice and one game on a weekly basis. Games will take place on Saturdays.

Coed Youth League (Ages 6-15) | FIND SESSIONS
League includes one practice and one game on a weekly basis. Games will take place on Saturdays.

Questions? Contact our Sports Director, Kyle Kluis at kkluis@ymcasd.org.

WINTER 2025-2026

Coed Youth Basketball Leagues (Ages 5-17) | FIND SESSIONS 
Registration will remain open until teams are full. Please note that teams will travel to other YMCA branches for games. Games will be on Saturdays.

  • Division 1 (Ages 5-6): Wednesdays from 5:00-6:00pm | First practice January 14, 2026
  • Division 2 (Ages 7-8): Wednesdays from 6:00-7:00pm | First practice January 14, 2026
  • Division 3 (Ages 9-10): Thursdays from 5:00-6:00pm | First practice January 15, 2026
  • Division 4 (Ages 11-12): Thursdays from 6:00-7:00pm | First practice January 15, 2026
  • Division 5 (Ages 13-17): Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30pm or 6:30-7:30pm | First practice January 13, 2026


Equipment Needed:

  • Loose athletic clothing
  • Basketball shorts
  • Water bottle
  • All new participants must purchase a basketball jersey through our Ship-to-Home website.


Questions? Please email Program Director, Ferrari Funches at ffunches@ymcasd.org for more information.

WINTER 2025-2026

Coed Youth 3v3 Basketball League (Ages 6-12) | FIND SESSIONS League includes one game on a weekly basis. Games will take place on Saturdays. Schedule:
  • Division 1 (Ages 6-7): Saturdays | 9:00am
  • Division 2 (Ages 8-9): Saturdays | 11:00am
  • Division 3 (Ages 10-12): Saturdays | 1:00pm


Game Schedule: Saturdays Starting January 24, 2026

Questions? Contact our Sports Coordinator Ryan Brent at rabrent@ymcasd.org.

WINTER 2025-2026

Youth Coed Basketball Leagues (Ages 5-17) | FIND SESSIONS  Practices take place during the week with games on Saturdays. Equipment Needed: Basketball sneakers. Assessment Week: January 12, 2026 Practice Schedule: Beginning week of January 19, 2026.
  • Division 1 (Ages 5-7): Wednesdays | 4:30-5:30pm
  • Division 2 (Ages 8-9): Wednesdays | 5:30-6:30pm
  • Division 3 (Ages 10-12): Wednesdays | 6:30-7:30pm
  • Division 4 (Ages 13-17): Tuesdays | 5:15-6:15pm


Game Schedule: Saturdays Starting January 24, 2026

  • Game times will be given once rosters and teams have been created after assessment week.


Questions? Contact our Sports Director, Nicole Kamal at nkamal@ymcasd.org.

WINTER 2025-2026

Youth Basketball Leagues (Ages 6-13) | FIND SESSIONS
Games on Saturdays with one coach-scheduled practice per week. League begins January 24, 2026.

Questions? Please email Program Director, Christian Varner at cvarner@ymcasd.org for more information.

WINTER 2025-2026

Youth Basketball Leagues (Ages 5-14) | FIND SESSIONS
Games on Saturdays with one coach-scheduled practice per week. Registration open now through December 6.

Youth League Evaluations: December 6, 2025

Questions? Please email Sports Director, Chris Cerda at ccerda1@ymcasd.org for more information.

YOUTH COMPETITIVE LEAGUE

JACKIE ROBINSON FAMILY YMCA — WINTER 2025-2026

Jackie Robinson Family YMCA offers competitive youth basketball leagues to provide young athletes with the opportunity to advance their understanding of the game and take their skills to the next level in a competitive setting. Different from recreational basketball, competitive leagues offer participants a sports program that allows YMCA youth athletes to play competitively against local teams while remaining in the encouraging YMCA environment. For more information, contact the sports department at Jackie Robinson Family YMCA

adult leagues

Our adult basketball leagues are a great way to improve your skills and stay in shape while playing with friends! We offer both competitive and recreational leagues for male, female and coed teams throughout several branches in San Diego. Registration remains open until all teams are full.

WINTER 2025-2026

Adult Basketball Leagues (Ages 18+) | FIND SESSIONS! 
  • Men’s League | Mondays at 6:00pm
    • Help out the team! Be a substitute player!


Questions? Contact our Sports Coordinator Ryan Brent at rabrent@ymcasd.org.

FALL 2025

Adult Basketball League (Ages 18+) | FIND SESSIONS

The season lasts nine weeks—eight weeks of regular play followed by one week of playoffs.

  • Men’s Basketball | Division A (Competitive) | Thursdays at 6:00pm | Begins October 7, 2025
  • Men’s Basketball | Division B (Recreational) | Tuesdays at 6:00pm | Begins October 7, 2025

The team captain needs to register as Team Captain, and all other players should register as Team Members in order to reserve a spot in the league. If you already have a team, please reach out to Kyle Kluis at kkluis@ymcasd.org.

If you are registering individually as a free agent, please contact Lu Gonzalez lgonzalez5@ymcasd.org.

Winter 2025-2026

Women’s League (Ages 40+) | FIND SESSIONS 
Begins January 8. Registration will remain open until teams are full. Thursdays and Saturdays.

Women’s League (Ages 50+) | FIND SESSIONS 
Begins January 11. Registration will remain open until teams are full. Thursdays and Saturdays.

Questions? Contact our Sports Director, Nicole Kamal at nkamal@ymcasd.org.

FALL 2025

Adult Coed Basketball Leagues (Ages 18+) | FIND SESSIONS 
Registration will remain open until teams are full. 

Schedule: Wednesdays at 6:30pm

Questions? Please email Sports Director, Chris Cerda at ccerda1@ymcasd.org for more information.

BASKETBALL LESSONS & CLINICS

PEEWEE lessons

Children ages 3-5 can develop motor skills, stay active and have fun with friends in our Peewee Basketball lessons! Offered on a month-to-month basis, these engaging sessions introduce young players to the game in a supportive and playful environment. Click your branch below for details!

YOUTH CLINICS

Youth clinics for ages 6 and older focus on teaching participants about sportsmanship, skill development and strength training. Registration is ongoing for monthly sessions. Click your branch below for details!

BASKETBALL PROGRAMS

Free Play

Open Gym Times

The Y also offers pick-up basketball at several locations association-wide. View the gymnasium schedule on the home page of your local YMCA for free play time. View branch locations.

Basketball Camps

Day Camp Options

The Y also offers several sport-based day camps (particularly during the summer) that focus on basketball! Find the basketball camp that is right for you on our day camp page.