ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
The Andrews Youth Sports Program kicked off its 2009 campaign Saturday with the start of youth basketball games and a cheerleading program.
"While the games began Saturday, the boys and girls taking part in these programs have been practicing since Dec. 15," said Bob Mowchan, Youth Sports and Fitness director, 316th Force Support Squadron.
Additionally, the Youth Center is also organizing the "Start Smart" program for the second year in a row.
"Start Smart basketball introduces three and four-year-olds to the sport of basketball with fun and safe equipment," said Mr. Mowchan.
Overall, 126 children are taking part in the basketball programs that will run until the middle of March. The leagues will be broken down into 12 coed teams in the age groups: 5 to 6, 7 to 9, 10 to 12, and 13 to 15.
"This will be a non-competitive, recreational league where the emphasis is on having fun while teaching the kids the game," said Mr. Mowchan. "We follow the National Alliance for Youth Sports, whose philosophy is to keep it fun for the kids, teach them something about the sport and help them develop friendships with peers and adults."
The cheerleading program, according to Mr. Mowchan, will feature girls ages 5 to 10. The squad will take turns cheering for each of the teams in the league.
Games are scheduled for Saturday mornings at the Youth Center, with the older children traveling to Bolling Air Force Base and Fort Belvoir, Va. as part of a traveling military league, which is in its first year.
Coaches, scorekeepers, and referees are volunteers and are made up of both servicemembers and parents. All training for the volunteers is provided by the National Alliance for Youth Sports.
For those who wish to get involved with the Andrews Youth Sports program, stop by the Youth Center to pick up the application forms.
For more information, call 301-981-5636.