GENERAL PROGRAM INFORMATION

The Northampton Parks & Recreation Department offers youth basketball in the winter for youth in preschool through 8th grade. Participants in all levels will develop basketball skills and knowledge, have fun playing with their peers, learn to be a team player and compete in drills, games and scrimmages/games. We offer levels for both the first time and experienced players. There are no cuts at any level of our program and spaces are filled on a first come, first severed basis. See below for further information on all levels and divisions! Click here to view the program brochure. Haga clic aquí para ver el folleto del programa en español.

COACHES ARE NEEDED IN ALL DIVISIONS!

Our Youth Basketball programs would not be possible without the generous support of all of the volunteer coaches who step up to lead a team. If you or someone you know is interested in coaching a team this season, please indicate so when registering your child or send an email with your name, phone number, name of child wishing to coach and division interested in coaching to Brooke at bfairman@northamptonma.gov.

Coaches will have access to practice plans and will have the opportunity to take part in Coaches Trainings with Northampton Parks & Rec.

Preschool Basketball

For those ages 4-6 years old (as of 4/30/2026), this is a parent-child program for our youngest members of the community. Registration includes one parent/guardian and one child. This program is designed to aid parents who want to help their child develop basic basketball skills, such as shooting, dribbling and agility, that are needed to participate in organized basketball. Participants will learn basketball skills, socialize with their peers and develop their motor and listening skills, all while building their confidence. Click here for further details on our Preschool Basketball program.

Youth Basketball

For those in grades K-2, this is a Saturday-only program held at Smith Voke from December through February. We offer divisions in Kindergarten (coed), Boys Grades 1&2 and Girls Grades 1&2. Players are split into teams within their division and will work on drills and games during practices and compete in scrimmages against other teams in their division starting in January. Click here for further details on our Youth Basketball League.

Skills Basketball

For those in grades 3-6, players will participate in two practices per week. This program is split into 4 divisions: Boys Grades 3&4, Boys Grades 5&6, Girls Grades 3&4 and Girls Grades 5&6. Players are split into teams for the season and will compete in scrimmages on Saturdays (starting in January) against other teams in their division. One weeknight practice will be held at an NPS Elementary School and Saturday sessions will be held at Smith Voke. Depending on registration numbers, coaches and gym availability, divisions may be combined based on gender to allow for more teams within the division. This is a great program for those who are new to the sport or are looking to play in a less competitive environment. All practices and scrimmages are held at a gym in Northampton - this is not a travel league. Click here for further details on our Skills Basketball League.

Quabbin BasketballEmpty heading

For those in grades 3-8, this program is part of the Quabbin Valley Youth Basketball League. This is a competitive recreational league with games in Northampton and surrounding communities. This is a great option for experienced players looking to advance their basketball skills and IQ and compete in games against teams outside of Northampton. We offer boy's and girl's divisions for Grades 3&4, Grades 5&6 and Grades 7&8. There are no cuts in this league, however registered players will take part in Player Evaluations so teams can be created as equal as possible based on skill level, grade and positions. Teams will practice twice a week and have one or two games per week (typically weekends) during the season. Practices begin in December and games begin in January. The season runs through mid-March. Teams in the Grades 3&4 divisions take part in a postseason jamboree and teams in the Grades 5&6 and 7&8 divisions take part in playoffs. Click here for further details on our Quabbin Basketball League.

SCHEDULES

Final schedules with dates, times and locations are TBD based on number of teams, gym availability and additional factors. Parents will hear from their child's coach regarding team placement and season schedules by the end of the day:

• Quabbin - Tuesday, November 25, 2025
• Youth & Skills - Wednesday, December 3, 2025
• Preschool - Friday, January 2, 2026

REGISTRATION

Registration is closed for the 2025-2026 season.

View each page for further information or click here to register online beginning Monday, October 6, 2025 at 10:00 AM. In-person registration (once registration opens) will also be available at the Parks & Rec Office Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM or via mail. The NPRD office is located to the right side of JFK Middle School in a separate gray building at 100A Bridge Road, Florence, MA 01062. Financial assistance is available to Northampton, Leeds and Florence residents who qualify.