The South Delta Basketball Association tips-off its 14th season this month with a new home.
The SDBA, which operates the immensely popular Steve Nash Youth Basketball League, will be running some of its programs out of the new gym at the South Delta recreation centre. The venue is the former home of the Delta Gymnastics Society prior to its move to Ladner, earlier this year. The gym agreement is part of a new partnership between the SDBA and the Corporation of Delta.
"Due to the enormous need for indoor space required for many sports in South Delta, we will only be running a few of our age groups out of the new gym," said SDBA president Tim Cowley. "We are hoping that the popularity and philosophy of our program will allow us to grow with the new facility next year and years beyond.
"With the size of our program we will always require local schools (to operate) but with the success of our program, there are more students playing basketball which makes gyms harder to access as well. We would like to expand our program and not have to cut off registration but we are limited due to gym space in South Delta."
The Steve Nash Youth Basketball League is designated for boys and girls in Grades 2-12. The younger age level are almost near capacity with programs not scheduled to start until Sept 25. Anyone interested in still participating this season should visit www.southdeltabasketball.org. The typical cost for the September to March season is $210 which includes includes a jersey and basketball to keep for all the elementary age children.
"Basketball is a tremendous way to get the kids some exercise," continued Cowley. "We really focus on the fundamentals, playing in a team environment and having fun.
"Many players and parents prefer the 'weather' as well compared to winter outdoor sports such as soccer and the fact that there is no travel, all games are played in South Delta."
The association is thrilled to have Matthew McKay come onboard the executive to serve as director of coaching.
son McKay comes from North Delta secondary school and coaches with Basketball B.C. He is considered one of the great up-and-coming mentors in the province.
McKay is now teaching at South Delta secondary where he will also be taking on a coaching role with the basketball program.
"We have struggled to find someone qualified for this role and Matthew will add tremendous value to our newer coaches and give them the skills and confidence to coach in our leagues," added Cowley.
The South Delta Steve Nash League has produced some impressive talent over the years with many going on to play at the high school level for South Delta and Delta. Among them is DSS standout Lucas Goosen who is considered one of the top players in the province.
He is hoping to lead the Pacers back to the provincial "AAA" tournament for the second time in three years, while competing in the always tough Fraser Valley conference.
Although the philosophy of the SDBA Steve Nash program is 'house' league, it does have U13 rep teams that play other Lower Mainland clubs out of the Langley Events Centre from November to March.
The SDBA a non-profit organization run by local people wanting to be involved in youth athletics. It is affiliated with Basketball BC which is the governing body for the sport in the province.
