LAREDO (June 1, 2023) – For the first time ever, the San Antonio Spurs announced that they are partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Laredo (BGC of Laredo) to host Spurs Youth Basketball League in all three of their locations this summer. Presented by Pizza Hut, the league begins on Tuesday, June 20, and will run for six weeks on weekdays. Registration is now open to Laredo youth and volunteer coaches at bgcsports.com. As part of registration, each athlete will receive a SYBL jersey. Registered coaches will receive special training to learn new tools and help foster a positive learning environment for each athlete.
“The Spurs Youth Basketball League embodies the core values of our Boys and Girls Club, so the partnering of our organizations to support the community makes great sense,” said George Beckelhymer, President of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Laredo. “Our board and staff are committed to continually bring increased programming and offerings to the girls and boys of our Clubs.”
Spurs Youth Basketball League is open to incoming kindergarteners to fifth graders and will teach athletes fundamental skill development, such as shooting, passing, ball-handling and defensive training by local registered volunteer coaches. Athletes will also have a chance to connect with friends and learn how to use sports to lead healthier lives in an environment that promotes a sense of belonging.
“After hosting a successful Spurs Youth Basketball League clinic in Laredo last December, our team wanted to bring a fun summer opportunity to local youth with access to basketball and safe spaces to play,” said Dr. Kara Allen, Chief Impact Officer for Spurs Sports & Entertainment. “This summer league will give over 300 children in Laredo unforgettable memories and a chance to develop their basketball skills.”
The BGC of Laredo provides a safe place for children to learn and grow, ongoing relationships with caring adult professionals, life-enhancing programs and character development experiences, as well as hope and opportunity for children in the Laredo community.
“We are excited to bring this incredible youth sports league to our Clubs in Laredo,” said Robert Eads, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Laredo. “Our collaboration with Spurs Youth Basketball League aligns with our continued commitment to deliver meaningful programming to local youth.”
As a Spurs Youth Basketball League and BGC of Laredo athlete, children must pledge to:
- Say no to drugs, alcohol and tobacco
- Play fair and be honest
- Use good sense and make positive choices
- Respect others and myself
- Stay in school and do my homework
About the Boys & Girls Club of Laredo
The Boys & Girls Club of Laredo's mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.
About Spurs Give
We are a family - a team - passionate about sports. We are passionate about what sports can do for our community - especially our youth. At the heart of it, we believe sports can provide a family with a common goal, and a hope for a better future. We are Spurs Give - the official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of Spurs Sports & Entertainment. Since our founding in 1988, we have invested $32 million in our community. Through our players' passions, our grants, and our impact programs, we are changing lives and leaving a lasting impact. You give. We give. Spurs Give.