Slam Dunk: PAL, Y Join Youth Basketball Forces

It’s not quite like 1976, when the American Basketball Association merged into the NBA.

But in the Westport youth sports world, it’s a pretty big deal.

Westport PAL and the Westport Weston Family Y announced this week that their 2 travel basketball programs, for 3rd through 8th graders, are joining forces.

There will be 20 teams, overall. Both program logos will be on the uniforms.

One result will be one strong feeder program for Staples High School. There will be uniform messaging to players and youth coaches about basketball philosophy and skill development.

Another result: a reduction in confusion, divisiveness and social tensions between players and families in different programs.

PAL girls team …

“One program allows Westport families to walk into any gym in the state, see the Westport travel uniform, and support the players on the court, no questions asked. No longer will best friends and families need to choose between programs, or stand on opposite sides of the gym,” PAL basketball president Jordan Schur says.

Schur started the ball rolling, after becoming president last summer. He, PAL vice president Charles Do and the PAL basketball board worked with Y coaches Andre Brooks and Greg Downes, and Y CEO Anjali McCormick and COO Christina Scherwin.

Schur says, “For PAL, this means everything. We can take an already thriving youth basketball program and go to new levels. We can take the best of both programs, and have one robust program.

“This past year as seen PAL expand its youth programming into basketball clinics year-round, and a partnership with the Jr. Knicks. Now we can integrate all that Coach Brooks has done the past few years with the YMCA, into one singular effort.

“By combining forces we will have elite coaching, depth at each grade, purposeful development, and can put each kid in the program in a favorable position as they continue their basketball journey.”

Downes notes, “By combining our shared knowledge and passion for the sport, we can build upon our already solid foundations to enhance the league experience for our kids, and prepare them for success as they transition to the high school.”

The Y’s Schwerin adds, “The Y has a strong passion for youth development. We will support all levels of athletic ability.

… and YMCA boys.

“The YMCA’s historical and ongoing contributions to organized youth sports have shaped the athletic landscape and positively influenced young individuals by promoting healthy habits, teamwork, and personal growth.

“By partnering with PAL we are continuing this legacy, fostering youth development and building a stronger, united community.”

Staples coach Dave Goldshore says, “Two years ago, when I was hired as Staples’ boys Basketball coach, my vision was to build a culture that united Westport basketball.  I believed that in order to consistently win at the high school level, it was imperative to establish ‘core values’ that could be implemented at the youth level.

“The partnership between the PAL and YMCA brings Westport’s elite youth basketball players under the same organization.  This allows for a cleaner path to instill these values into our future Wreckers. Through synergistic curriculum and developmental coaching, it is my intention to continue to build Staples Basketball into a program that Westport can be proud of for years to come.”

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