Make sure you choose the right program...Garden City Basketball.

If you have enjoyed basketball at St Paul's over the last six years, it is important to know that John Skramko is no longer running the GCAA program and has created Garden City Basketball. Simply put, if you are still on the fence and liked what John was doing over the last six years, join the hundreds of participants that have signed up for Garden City Basketball.

Garden City Basketball is endorsed by, recommended by, and has partnered with the Island Garden. The Island Garden is our nationally respected Amateur Athletic Union local regional entity.

The individual with overwhelming experience of running youth basketball in Garden City at St Paul's is John Skramko. While running the GCAA basketball program for six years, John was directly responsible for the building, growth, and success of that program. John and his team have the direct experience of running a basketball program of anywhere from 200 to 1000 participants. In addition, there are many other volunteers with Garden City Basketball that have decades of experience with youth basketball programs.

If size is important...It is quite possible that Garden City Basketball will have the largest program in the village. However, our goal is NOT to be the largest. Our goal is simply to have a great program that is our version of fun for children.

Garden City Basketball is not running a similar program to any other group. We are the first local basketball program that is a member of the AAU, USA Basketball, the Jr NBA, and the Jr wNBA. We are the first local basketball program to provide the capability to register online and have invested in a website that sets us apart from all other programs. We are the first local hoop program that is using sponsors to help keep our costs down. The birth of Garden City Basketball has created an organization solely focused on basketball. We have raised the bar and have injected activity, effort, and excitement for the sport of youth basketball in the village.

The focus of Garden City Basketball is our intramural program. Our travel program goal is to provide a venue where a small percentage of participants may play at a higher level. We will sponsor at least six travel teams this season. In order to consider having a travel team for a given grade/gender; our participants must have requested it, quality/dedicated coaching is available, and a functional/viable travel team can be created that will have a positive experience. Our greater mission is to provide a wonderful experience for the "average Joe" so that a love of the life long game of basketball will be nurtured and grow.

For intramurals, there will be clinics for all participants led by:

* The Island Garden's expert AAU instructors

* George Bruns former Nets professional basketball player and Varsity coach at Manhassett High School

* The Garden City Varsity team led by Coach Larry Steimer

There will be an open parents forum to answer questions that you may still have regarding our intramural program, travel program, and Garden City Basketball in general. The open forum will be Wednesday, September 27th starting at 7:30pm lower level of the Garden City Public Library.

If you are interested in attending one of the premiere coaches clinics being held this year on Long Island. Please contact us.

We are currently working on a "Coaches Guide" featuring sample practice plans, drills, and other helpful tips. For players, we will provide materials to help improve their game and focus on teamwork skills. For families, we will provide materials on how parents might consider supporting their youngsters while participating in youth sports. The package also includes educational information, nutritional suggestions, and some fitness activities.

The Garden City Basketball intramural program is open to boys 1st through 9th grades and girls 1st through 7th grades and is held in the St. Paul's Field House. Our intramural program begins in mid-November and runs through March 2007.

During the month of October we will; have a coaches meeting, conduct travel team tryouts, and host training for student Game Officials. If you would like to be considered for a travel coaching position or for a spot as a student game official, please contact us.

Please conveniently register online at www.gardencitybasketball.org for the upcoming season. The registration fee is $50. Paper applications may be obtained from our website, St. Paul's-Cluett Hall, and/or the village of Garden City Recreation Office. The registration deadline is October 7th.

We believe that Garden City Basketball has the vision, dedication, and sets the standard for youth basketball in the village.

Please visit our website at www.gardencitybasketball.org for more information or contact John Skramko jskramko@optonline.net 746-9659 with any questions.