BCCBA Creating Opportunities for Young Basketball Players
The high school basketball scene in BC is thriving. Every year, more and more high quality players seem to be moving on to post-secondary opportunities throughout Canada and the United States.
But what about for players before they get to high school? That’s where the BC Club Basketball Association (BCCBA) comes in. The league is for players from the U10 to U13 age group, consisting of 23 different teams from the different organizations. As of right now, the clubs in the BCCBA are AthElite, Vancity Basketball, BC Bounce, Split Second, 3D, and FYBA.
“[The clubs] have been playing in exhibition games and tournaments over the years” said David Munro, the league’s administrator/commissioner. “But [the clubs] approached me last spring to help put together some consistency to the inaugural BCCBA basketball league.
Each of these coaches put in a great deal of time and wanted to have someone be the league administrator/commissioner to deal with everything from organizing the schedules, to booking the gyms and officials.”
“The league came about because there is nothing in the Lower Mainland for the elementary club teams” said Jamie Oei, head coach at Vancity Basketball Academy. “We decided to unify and start something that kids would be able to look forward to playing in and have regular competitive game every couple weeks. On their weekends off the teams could practice or participate in local or travel tournaments throughout the winter months.”
In its inaugural season, the BCCBA appears to be filling a need in the basketball community perfectly. The teams have had nothing but good things to say about how this helps young hoopers in the BC basketball community.
“This league is important to young players because they will develop a sense of community” said Oei “as well as play competitive games against high level competition which will help them improve so much more quickly.”
“I think it’s been a tremendous success so far” said Munro on the League in its inaugural season. “In every gym I’ve been in so far, I’ve seen nothing but smiles on the faces of kids.”
The league hopes to do big things in the upcoming season and beyond in order to grow the game. There will perhaps be an expansion to eight teams next season with an additional U14 and Girls division as well.
“It’s great that so many strong clubs have been able to put ego aside and get on board to doing something that is great for basketball in the province” explained Oei. “We look forward to building our relationships even stronger to make the league even bigger in the future.”
The BCCBA finals will be held on February 24th at the Pinetree Community Centre in Coquitlam. You can follow them on Instagram at @bchoopsca.
Written by: Nick Bondi