ANDREWS AFB, Md –
Team Andrews parents of aspiring basketball players and cheerleaders have the opportunity to get their children involved in sports at the Youth Center this winter.
"The Andrews Youth Sports Program is a recreational league that places the emphasis on having fun, developing friendships and learning the fundamentals of the sport," said Bob Mowchan, 316 Force Support Squadron youth sports director. "Participants are guaranteed playing time with a focus on having fun, rather than playing at all costs to win."
Mr. Mowchan said dependents of active duty, retired military, DoD civilians with access to military installations and base contractors are eligible to use the Youth Sports programs. "We're also looking for volunteer coaches. Over half of volunteer coaches are parents wishing to coach their own children. Volunteer coaches have the privilege of picking practice days and times that work for their schedule as they are the ones volunteering their time and energy."
"Coaching is easy and fun," said Mr. Mowchan. "The Youth Sports Department prepares individuals for coaching by providing training and all the equipment necessary. Volunteers must successfully complete a background check when working with children."
The programs, called START SMART, are uniquely designed for young children. "START SMART was created by the National Alliance for Youth Sports nearly 15 years ago," said Mr. Mowchan. "This organization discovered that most 5-year olds were not ready for their first youth sports experience and decided to create a program that would be fun, safe, non-threatening and educational for 3- and 4-year olds."
Mr. Mowchan explained that children enrolled in the START SMART program work their way through a six week progressive program that focuses on the fundamentals of the sport. "This program, aptly named, enables young participants to 'start smart' in their first youth sports experience," said Mr. Mowchan. "Skills stations include throwing, passing, catching, dribbling, shooting and running and jumping."
Mr. Mowchan added that participants receive an equipment kit which includes regular and soft basketballs, cones, a t-shirt and a participant manual. "The equipment allows children to practice their skills in between the weekly sessions and also allows them to work on their skills after the program ends. Each regular sports season including basketball, baseball and soccer, is accompanied by a sport specific START SMART program."
Mr. Mowchan said registration for basketball, cheerleading and START SMART is ongoing through Nov. 14. "The program is open to children ages 3 to 18 with Jan. 1, 2009 as the age cutoff. The season runs Dec. 12 through 14. March and program fees are $40 for Youth Center members and $50 for non-members," said Mr. Mowchan, adding that Youth Center membership is $20 per year. Classes are held at the Youth Center gym located at Building 4700 on Yuma Road.