By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— After discovering a need in the community allowing kids to play “true” basketball without special rules and regulations, Pelham Parks and Recreation created a youth basketball program.

Eleven years later, Parks and Recreation director Billy Crandall said basketball is probably the most successful sports program they run.  He estimated about 70 kids usually register, creating between eight to 10 teams.

“They love it. That’s one of the better programs we have,” Crandall said. “I certainly think it’s a builder for the (high school) basketball program.”

Registration will be held Oct. 10 and Oct. 17 from 9 a.m.-noon at the Pelham Parks and Recreation Office. Third through sixth grade students can sign up for youth basketball.

Evaluations will be held by Pelham High School’s coach Joel Floyd at Pelham High Oct. 25th from 1–2 p.m. for the third and fourth grade students and from 2–3 p.m. for the fifth- and sixth-graders. Registration is $120 per player.

After the try-outs, Crandall said they will pick teams and will likely start practicing the next week.

Crandall said the league plays by Alabama high school rules except the third grade team shoots fouls one foot closer to the goal and play at half-court press. The program will teach basketball fundamentals and also push players to the next level.

“It’s one of the most fun sports because it’s one that is true basketball,” Crandall said. “We love it. The basketball is great.”

The teams will play Pelham’s neighboring cities: Alabaster, Calera, Helena and Montevallo. Crandall said the teams will practice at Pelham High School and at the Pelham YMCA with games being played Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

For more information, visit Pelhamonline.com or call 620-6426.