Grades K-1 | Bitty Basketball
Grades K-1
Bitty Ball is an introductory basketball program that helps young athletes prepare for the YMCA's Youth Basketball League. Bitty Ball consists of four 45-minute classes that cover fundamental skills including dribbling, passing, shooting, and basic game concepts.
Registration opens annually on September 1.
Dates & Times:
- Mondays or Wednesdays: 4:15–5:00 p.m.
- Mondays or Wednesdays: 5:15–6:00 p.m.
- Tuesdays" 5:15–6:00 p.m.
Upcoming Sessions:
- October 26–November 18, 2026
- November 23–December 16, 2026
Cost:
$38 w/ YMCA membership ($48 for non-YMCA members)
Grades 2–3 | Youth Basketball League
Grades 2–3
Our recreational youth basketball league for athletes in grades 2–3. Teams are coached by volunteer coaches. Teams practice one evening per week, and each team will have one game per week on either Friday evening or Saturday afternoon. Teams have one game a week on either Friday evening or Saturday afternoon. All skill levels are welcome.
Registration opens annually on September 1. Team placement is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Placement is not guaranteed once waitlisted or during Late Registration.
Upcoming Season:
- November 2–December 19, 2026
Cost:
- $86 per player
Grades 4–6 | Youth Basketball League
Grades 4–6
Our recreational youth basketball league for athletes in grades 4–6. Teams are coached by volunteer coaches. Teams practice one evening per week, and each team will have one game per week on either Friday evening or Saturday afternoon. Teams have one game a week on either Friday evening or Saturday afternoon. All skill levels are welcome.
Divisions are Grade 4 and Grades 5–6.
Registration opens annually on September 1. Team placement is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Placement is not guaranteed once waitlisted or during Late Registration.
Upcoming Season:
- January 18–February 27, 2027
Cost:
- $86 per player
Grades 9–12 | High School Basketball League
Grades 9–12
This six-week recreational basketball league is for athletes in grades 9-12. Players will form their own teams (8 player minimum) and team captains will register their team. Payment and waivers will be sent to teams after they sign up. Individuals can sign up for our free agent list, but team placement is not guaranteed.
Important Note: Players cannot currently be on a high school basketball roster.
Registration opens on December 1.
Game Days:
- Wednesday evenings
Upcoming Seasons:
- January 27–March 3, 2027
Cost:
- $76 per player
What to Expect for Youth Basketball Leagues
Weekly Practice
Each week, teams will meet at the YMCA or local schools for practice.
Weekly Games
Games are held Friday evenings or Saturday afternoons at local schools and/or the Y.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer coaches make our leagues possible! Click the button below to learn more about volunteer coaching.
Youth Basketball FAQs
No. YMCA Youth Sports programs are open to anyone.
No. We welcome kids of all abilities and levels of playing experience to participate in YMCA youth basketball programs.
Equal playing time is a requirement for YMCA Leagues and clinics.
Youth Basketball League
Jerseys are included with registration and are required for games. For both practices and games, athletes should wear non-marking gym shoes and comfortable pants/shorts that allow them to move easily. Water bottles are strongly encouraged.
Bitty Ball Program
Children should come wearing clothes they can run and move comfortably in. Close-toed shoes are required. Water bottles are strongly encouraged.
Cancellation requests should be sent to youthsports@ymcamissoula.org. If a cancellation request is submitted prior to the first game, a refund (minus a $10 processing fee) will be issued. If the cancellation request is made after the first game, a maximum of 50% of the fees will be refunded, depending on the number of games played.
YMCA basketball teams are separated into boy and girl divisions. Teams are built by school and neighboring parts of town. You may request specific coaches or teammates for your child. While we cannot guarantee requests, we do our best to accommodate them when possible.
Practices are held once a week on weekday evenings at neighborhood schools or the Missoula YMCA.
YMCA Youth Basketball teams are coached by volunteers. Parent involvement is key to YMCA sports leagues, and we often ask parents to step in and volunteer as coaches so that every team will have a coach. All YMCA staff and volunteers undergo background checks and abuse prevention training.
You will receive an email from PlayerSpace with your child’s game and practice schedule 10 days prior to practices starting. Coaches will reach out the week before practices. If you haven't heard from your child's coach by then, contact the YMCA at 406-721-9622 or email youthsports@ymcamissoula.org.
If a spot opens up on a team,Y staff will reach out by email to notify you of the spot opening. When divisions or teams are waitlisted, participation is not guaranteed.
Sponsors keep our program fees affordable, allowing more Missoula children to access sports programs. Thanks to our sponsors, kids get to keep their jersey at the end of the season without paying additional fees. Click the button to learn how to sponsor a team for the upcoming season!
Our Title Sponsor
A special thank you to our Youth Basketball League title sponsor:
