Okmulgee County Family YMCA will be one of 25 branches that will be part of a recent expansion of the Thunder Basketball League. The Oklahoma City Thunder and the YMCA
Okmulgee County Family YMCA will be one of 25 branches that will be part of a recent expansion of the Thunder Basketball League.
The Oklahoma City Thunder and the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City announced that the YMCA Thunder Basketball League has now expanded to 25 YMCA branches as a part of its year two expansion.
Through this expansion, YMCA branches will cater to 13,000 athletes in 21 different communities across Oklahoma. While the YMCA will remain the sole operator of the league, the Thunder will provide youth athlete and coach development resources along with both the Thunder and YMCA to rebrand league jerseys to reflect the ongoing partnership.
“Through this partnership, children across the state will now have opportunities not previously available to them through league play, high level volunteer coaches training and OKC Thunder activities year round,” Chris Berry, Edmond District Executive Director, YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, said. “We are grateful for the partnership between our two organizations and look forward to growing the game across Oklahoma.”
YMCA Thunder Basketball League is a youth league partnership between the Thunder and statewide YMCA branches.
During the 2018-19 season, a pilot program of the league was operated within all Oklahoma City and Cleveland County YMCA locations.
In its inaugural season, the league had more than 5,700 participants, 1,200 volunteer coaches participating in the program, more than 600 teams being formed through the league, a total of 71 Oklahoma communities being served and inspired a 2.3% increase in participation across all YMCA locations.
“By expanding the league with our partners at the YMCA to further branches across the state, we are able to help foster a love for the game at a young age and impact more youth through a developmental platform,” Michelle Matthews, manager of Thunder Youth Basketball, said. “We are excited for the upcoming season and look forward to seeing athletes of all skill levels take the court in the coming months.”
As a part of the expansion, the Thunder will continue to provide exclusive clinics for YMCA volunteer coaches prior to the upcoming winter season. Volunteer coaches will also have access to coaching materials such as a basketball drills and off-court character programing.
For more information, contact the Okmulgee YMCA at 918-756-6677.
