- Our Kids’ Biz -
A bimonthly briefing featuring Fort Greene’s finest youth programs
By Josh Beauregard
From clubs, sports, and activities to school and organization-based programs, this bimonthly briefing highlights local programs serving Fort Greene’s youth in positive and meaningful ways. In this edition, we feature the Conrad McRae Youth Basketball League.
-Damon Lawrence of Fort Greene rises up for the layup under heavy defense this past weekend at the Conrad McRae Youth Basketball League on Dean Street.
The Conrad McRae Youth Basketball League, established in 2000, provides a setting in the spring and summer for hundreds of kids ages 5 to 18 to take part in an organized weekend hoops league that attracts local teams in addition to teams from other parts of the state and beyond.
According to Anton Marchand, one of the league’s founders, the league’s mission is straightforward; “we aim to provide young student athletes with an organized, safe, and competitive atmosphere to take part in a game that they love to play.” The league offers tournaments for both girls and boys. The girl’s league (or Rose Classic) takes place at the Edmonds Learning Center on Adelphi Street on Saturdays and Sundays during the months of September to November and April to June. The boy’s league runs weekends in July and August and takes place outside in Dean Street Park.
Junell Council, a resident of neighboring Park Slope whose two sons have played in the league since its inception, describes it as offering her sons lessons in “teamwork and focus as well as opening doors for them educationally.” Her oldest son, Vincent, now attends Providence College where he is a member the men’s basketball team.
For more information on the league and how to get involved, visit the Conrad McRae Youth League on Facebook.
Readers are encouraged to provide leads about promising programs serving youth of the Fort Greene area. All suggestions may be directed to Josh at [email protected]
