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. If you are still on the fence, join John, his team, and the hundreds of participants that have signed up for the new Garden City Basketball program.

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

A number of organizations have existed for a long period of time. The individual with the overwhelming experience of running youth basketball in Garden City at St Paul's is John Skramko. While running the GCAA basketball program for the last six years, John was directly responsible for the building, growth, and success of that program. Our team has 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.

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 JrNBA, and the JrWNBA

* to provide the capability to register online

* that has invested in a website that sets us apart from all other basketball programs

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

If size is important...It is 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.

The focus of Garden City Basketball is our intramural program. Our greater mission is to provide a wonderful experience for all of our participants so that a love of the life long game of basketball will be nurtured and grow.

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 Manhasset High School

* The Garden City Varsity team led by Coach Larry Steimer

Our travel program goal is to provide a venue where a small percentage of participants may play at a higher level. We will sponsor a number of 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. If you are interested in coaching for or playing in the travel program, please contact us.

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.

Are you interested in attending one of the premiere coaches clinics being held this year on Long Island? Some of the top college coaches in the country who hail from Long Island will be returning to the area to conduct a coaches clinic on Saturday, September 30th from 11:00am to 5:00pm. The Mercury Sports "Hoop School" clinic will be held at the Island Garden. Coaches that have already committed to speak are:

* Jim Ferry of LIU,

* Becky Hammon All Star Guard of the New York Liberty,

* Paul Hewitt of Georgia Tech,

* Bill McKillop of Davidson,

* Tom Pecora of Hofstra,

* and Jeff Ruland of Iona.

Topics are expected to include: "point zone", shooting skills, man-to-man offensive sets, attacking a half court zone defense, development of post players, out-of-bounds plays, special situation plays, break the press and more. Attendance is limited. Please let us know of your desire to attend this valuable training as soon as possible.

Other coaches clinics and training will be available as we prepare to launch the 2006-2007 season.

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 and host training for student Game Officials. If you would like to be considered 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, the Island Garden, and/or the village of Garden City Recreation Office. The registration deadline is October 7th.

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