FRANKLIN
While the Franklin Department of Parks & Recreation will continue its traditional inner city co-ed basketball league, they are also looking to add something new, said Clay Hyatt, the department’s athletic program specialist. Partnering with the parks & recreation departments of Surry and Isle of Wight, Hyatt said they are offering a travel basketball league, with games being played at Westside Elementary and Surry High School. This league will also be co-ed.

“We wanted to try and upgrade our basketball program a little, to give our kids some of the same advantages that the Isle of Wight and Surry kids have, by playing different competition,” he said. “This is a good opportunity for kids to play against some kids that they are not always playing, and to also get used to traveling a little bit.”

The games are set to start in January, but Hyatt said they wanted to have a good idea of how many participants would be in the league by Dec. 17. The league has two groups, one for ages 8-9, and another for children ages 12-14. Hyatt said they are hoping to have 2 teams for each age group.

Cost is $50 per child, and that includes a jersey.

The traditional inner city league will also be offered. The age ranges are 5-6, 7-10 and 15-18.

For the youngest class, the cost will be $10, while the cost for the other two is $25. Costs also include the jersey.

Hyatt said they are hoping to have at least 4 teams per league. Registration will be at the department’s office in the Armory Drive Sports Complex on Nov. 12, Nov. 19 and Nov. 26 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The league will also start in the new year.

They are also still looking for volunteer coaches.

“It is a way to influence kids in the sport of basketball from a young age,” he said. “Anything you can do to help would be great.”

For more information, call Hyatt at 647-9566.