If you’re a basketball fan in Saratoga Springs, you’ve probably heard of Saratoga Battle Basketball. This awesome program was created in 2019 to give local kids more opportunities to play the game they love. And let me tell you, it’s been a slam dunk success!
Saratoga Battle Basketball has grown like crazy since it started. This season, they’re offering 12 to 13 teams for boys and girls at different grade levels. Can you believe that? And get this, there are about 150 kids participating this year! That’s a lot of future basketball stars.
The league is open to all kids who live in the Saratoga Springs City School District, whether they go to a district school or not. The boys teams play in the Capital District Youth Basketball League (CDYBL), while the girls teams compete in the Capital District Girls Basketball League (CDGBL). They have a packed schedule of 16 to 18 games, plus an exciting end-of-season tournament. The season runs from November to March, so these kids are in it for the long haul.
And let me tell you, Saratoga Battle Basketball is producing some serious talent. Last season, three of their boys teams won championships in the CDYBL. That’s pretty impressive, if you ask me. But their goal isn’t just about winning titles. They want to prepare these kids for the next level. They want to be a feeder program for middle school, freshman, JV, and varsity basketball teams in the Saratoga district. And guess what? They’re doing a great job. Last year, the entire eighth-grade team was playing on the modified team at Saratoga High School. Talk about a stepping stone to greatness!
One of the coolest things about Saratoga Battle Basketball is the opportunity to play at MVP Arena in Albany. Every year, during the week leading up to Christmas, the teams get to hit the hardwood at this amazing arena. And let me tell you, it’s a big deal. The kids and parents look forward to it all year. They even get to attend a Siena College game at the arena. It’s like a dream come true for these young ballers.
Now, you might be wondering how this awesome program is funded. Well, Saratoga Battle Basketball is a non-profit organization. They rely on donations and sponsors to keep things running smoothly. They want to make sure that every family can afford to play, so they keep the fees as low as possible. And if a family needs financial assistance, they’ll even sponsor them. How amazing is that?
But running a program like this isn’t easy. Saratoga Battle Basketball has to pay to reserve gym time at Gavin Park in Wilton, where they play their home games. It’s their biggest challenge, but they’re determined to make it work. They’re all about putting the kids first. No one is making money off this program. It’s all about giving back to the community and creating a positive impact.
Adam Britten, the president of Saratoga Battle Basketball, knows firsthand the importance of programs like this. He grew up in Saratoga Springs and participated in similar basketball programs. Now, he’s dedicated to providing the same opportunities for the next generation. He wants every kid to have a chance to play and have fun.
So, if you’re a young basketball enthusiast in Saratoga Springs, Saratoga Battle Basketball is the place to be. They’re all about growing the game, building connections, and making dreams come true. Who knows, you might just be the next basketball superstar to come out of Saratoga Battle Basketball. The sky’s the limit!