a peek inside the fishbowl

20 Jan, 2009

Girls basketball: going the way of the dodo?

Posted by andrea tomkins in: - Ottawa for kids|- Westboro

Emma takes a basketball “skills and drills” class for girls at Fisher Park on Monday nights. She loves it.  In fact, this is her second semester. I had my doubts when she first started. I wasn’t sure if 60 minutes once a week was going to make a difference. I was afraid she might find it discouraging. But the price was right and I couldn’t say no. (It only cost $35 for 8 – or  was it ten? – weeks. Regardless, A GOOD DEAL.) 

Emma had a rough start but didn’t give up. She was one of the youngest in the group, but she persevered and by golly, she learned some moves, conquered her fear of the ball, and even started to sink a few baskets here and there. (On a regulation-height net!)

Did she improve? Oh yes, by LEAPS AND BOUNDS (no pun intended). The young woman who coaches the class is fantastic. I’m assuming she’s a local high school student. She’s fun, fit, patient, and energetic. You couldn’t ask for a better role model for young girls learning the game.

Sadly, Emma’s class is probably going to be cancelled this term because she is only one of TWO girls signed up. Apparently no one cares about girls basketball anymore. They won’t run a program with such low enrollment. 

Sad huh?

All we need is a few more girls to keep it going. But I’m tapped out and have run out of people to ask. Gah! I’m hoping for a miracle.


8 Responses to "Girls basketball: going the way of the dodo?"

1 | lacoop

January 20th, 2009 at 5:05 pm

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What is the age group? We have an 8 year old (9 soon) who loves basketball….but hasn’t really played.

2 | porter

January 20th, 2009 at 11:27 pm

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what a great program, hope it’s not cancelled.

3 | Chantal

January 21st, 2009 at 8:28 am

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Kristyn’s much loved girls basketball program was cancelled in September because we did not have enough to form a team. This, from the town that claims the inventor of basketball as it’s own!

4 | andrea

January 21st, 2009 at 10:49 am

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Warren, a girls’ basketball coach and ref wanted to contribute this comment (which didn’t make it through before):

(Thanks Warren!)

“Sorry to hear that this program might end up canceled. Hopefully it works out or you can find another program nearby. Failing that, I can at least point you in a few potential directions for next year (I suspect most are full for this season, but it couldn’t hurt to call).

The Nepean Amateur Basketball Association (NABA) runs a Coed program for kids 7-9 out of Meadowlands PS and a Girls only program for kids 9-15 out of Ecole Publique de Michaelle Jean. The sessions are Saturday mornings for an hour and a half, which consists of a 45 minute practice and 45 minute game. I went through on the boys side way back in the day and loved it. I also know this program is relatively inexpensive.

http://www.nepeanbobcats.com/ (click on NABA Houseleague)

I also know of the Kanata Youth Basketball Association, which runs both competitive and houseleague teams (I think the competitive teams start at age 10, but houseleague at 7-8). They could be worth checking out.

http://kanatabasketball.ca/house_league.htm

A third group I’m familiar with is the Barrhaven Girls Basketball Association. The location might not be perfect for you, but they have programs for girls starting at age 5. See below for more information.

http://www.bgba.ca/novicedev.html

Finally, if you want to explore all options, go through the list of club links on the Eastern Ontario Basketball Association’s website (http://www.eteamz.com/eoba/links/). Each club team usually runs a parallel house league.

I certainly hope you can find a program for Emma! As a girls’ basketball coach and referee, I’ve seen a huge increase in the number of girls playing in both the house and competitive leagues. Best of luck!”

5 | andrea

January 21st, 2009 at 10:50 am

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lacoop: age is 9 – 14…

6 | lacoop

January 22nd, 2009 at 7:07 am

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Too bad on the age. I had one for sure, and possibly another. Oh well, on to swimming lessons.

7 | Basketball Coach

March 1st, 2009 at 12:07 pm

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The Ottawa Shooting Stars runs house league girls programs from 9 all the way to 18 I believe. I coach a team that practices in your area of Westboro.
http://www.ottawashootingstars.com

8 | Hal Williams

August 24th, 2009 at 4:20 pm

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Looking to connect with someone in children’s version of the NABA (Meadowlands). No, NOT the NBA or other NABA (Natl American Basketball Assoc). Just plain old Nepean Amateur Basketball Association. Maybe you/we should consider changing the name?

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