YMCA passes youth basketball program to Sikeston Parks and Recreation

SIKESTON — The YMCA of Southeast Missouri in Sikeston is passing the ball to Sikeston Parks and Recreation, which will be leading this year’s third through sixth grade co-ed basketball program.

Registration is underway through Dec. 2 to register for the basketball program. The program isn’t only for children in Sikeston; children in surrounding areas can also participate, according to Abbi Lindsey, Sikeston Parks and Recreation coordinator.

In order to move their programming in a new direction and, more specifically, to be more intimate and small-scale, Lindsey said the YMCA contacted her about taking over the program at the end of August.

Lindsey said next year Parks and Recreation will also take over the 1st and 2nd grade programs. 

“This year we will only be hosting the third grade/fourth grade and fifth grade/sixth grade divisions due to facility shortages,” Lindsey said. “Next year we will be able to plan accordingly to take on all grade levels.”

According to Lindsey, Parks and Rec has decided to permit eight teams in each age group for the basketball program, consisting of 10 players per team, for a total of 160 children.

Parks and Rec intends to use Wing Elementary’s gym for practices and games, according to Lindsey.  Lee Hunter Elementary will be an option if a situation arises that requires them to make a switch, she said.

Lindsey said in order to somewhat defray the costs of the basketball program overall, a cheerleading program has also been developed.

“It’s expensive to run the program, and since it wasn’t projected into our budget, we are doing everything we can to make sure we’re providing quality supplies and accommodations so the children have the best experience,” Lindsey said. 

According to Lindsey, the program’s takeover was not discussed until their 2024 fiscal budget, which operates from July 1 to June 30, was formed. As a result, the program is an expense they were not expecting, she said.

“However, we’re trying to stay competitive with pricing while also trying to make sure we aren’t overextending ourselves too much financially,” Lindsey said. 

Lindsey said the cost for each cheer participant is $55, and for basketball, it is $70 per player. Practices will begin on Jan. 8, and the games will start the week of Jan. 20. Games will be held every Saturday until March 9.

“As of right now, we have had about 10 kids registered for basketball,” Lindsey said. “I’ve had numerous calls about the program, so I think once parents are able to plan out their budgets, we will have an influx in registrations soon.”

According to Lindsey, preparing a program requires a lot of effort and preparation. 

“We can’t just say, ‘Let’s start a program; order some shirts and balls,’” Lindsey said. 

According to Lindsey, Sikeston Parks and Recreations will mandate that all of its coaches, volunteers and referees complete online training in sudden cardiac arrest incidents, concussion training and basketball in order to get their National Alliance for Youth Sports, or NAYS, certification. 

Lindsey also said everyone working with the children in the program will be required to pass a background check prior to the start of the season, which Parks and Rec will cover. 

Lindsey said they are also liable for custodial fees, overtime for school resource officers to be present at games, referee salaries, scorekeeper and scoreboard salaries, insurance costs and team uniforms.

“We’ve dotted every i and crossed every t when it comes to the planning, preparation and safety of all of our participants,” Lindsey said. “We’re very grateful that Sikeston Public Schools has partnered with us to allow us to use their facility.”

According to Lindsey, this will be the city’s first sports program because all other sports are organized by outside organizations.

Parks and Recreation, according to Lindsey, are really thrilled to meet the players and cheerleaders and are looking forward to both programs. 

To register for one of the programs, go to bookeo.com/sikestonparksandrec or view a list of in-person sign-up dates. To be a coach, contact Lindsey at alindsey@sikeston.org for information.