Registration for the 2026 - 2027 basketball Season is now open.

Don't wait to register! Spots WILL fill very quickly.

Registration closes 10/31 or when all slots have been filled.

Wait list Information

Due to space or coaching availability, we  sometimes have to open a wait list for certain age groups. Currently the following age groups are 100% full and are waitlisted. You can use the button below to join the wait list.




  • 2nd-3rd grade boys
  • 2nd-3rd grade girls
  • 4th-5th grade boys
  • 4th-5th grade girls
  • 6th-8th grade girls


2026 Basketball Sponsors

Basketball sponsor thank you graphic with logos of various businesses on a white background.

Basketball

OUR MISSION & PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

We are committed to helping every athlete grow through strong fundamental training, character development, confidence and leadership, teamwork, accountability, and preparation for higher levels of competition and life beyond sports.

WELCOME TO SHERRILLS FORD OPTIMIST BASKETBALL

At Sherrills Ford Optimist, basketball is about far more than learning how to dribble and shoot. Our program is built around developing strong athletes, confident leaders, and young people of character. Through teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship, and encouragement, we strive to nurture each child both on and off the court.

We place a strong emphasis on skill development at every level — teaching proper fundamentals, game awareness, and a love for the sport while helping athletes grow in confidence and ability year after year. Our goal is to prepare players not only for the next level of basketball, but for whatever path they choose in life.

Youth basketball game in a gymnasium; children in teal and black uniforms play, referee and coaches observe.
Volleyball team posing for photo in gym, wearing team shirts.
Group photo of a youth sports team wearing green shirts in front of a building.
Children playing a sport in a gym. Some wearing black and others blue shirts. A woman watches in the background.
Volleyball team posing after a game. Green and gold jerseys in a gym with red walls.

Important Information

REGISTRATION INFORMATION


Registration typically opens early September each year.


Due to gym space and team limitations, registration is capped and will close as soon as all spots are filled. We encourage families to register early to secure a spot in the program.


COACHES & VOLUNTEERS

We are always looking for coaches who want to make a positive impact. Many of our best coaches once played at Sherrills Ford Optimist and now return to give back.

If you are interested in coaching but do not yet have much experience, we encourage you to begin as an assistant coach. Assistant coaches work alongside seasoned coaches, learning the skills of coaching and player development so they can grow into confident head coaches over time. Our program succeeds because of community involvement.


SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Team Sponsorship – $300
We typically have 19–22 teams each season. Sponsors receive:
• Company name on the back of team jerseys
• Logo included on email headers
• Recognition signage in the gym hallway

Score Table Sponsorship – $1,000
Includes a custom logo tablecloth placed on the scoreboard table where the score and clock are operated. This is a highly visible sponsorship seen at every game throughout the season.

SEASON OVERVIEW

Evaluations are mandatory and are held the first week of November at Catawba Elementary School.

Practices begin immediately after the week of evaluations.

During November and December, teams usually practice two weeknights per week along with three Saturday practices.

January and February Regular Season:

Pee-Wee, Junior, and Senior Divisions:
• Games begin after the holiday break
• Teams continue to practice once per week even after games start
• Approximately 10–12 games over eight weeks
• A season-ending tournament may be held if time allows

Coed Division:
• Practices continue a few extra weeks before games begin
• Games usually start the second or third week of January
• Approximately 6–8 games total
• Practices continue once weekly through January and February, with Saturday practices until games begin


PRACTICE & GAME LOCATIONS

Practices are held at:
Sherrills Ford Elementary School and Catawba Elementary School

Home games are held at Catawba Elementary School

For Pee-Wee and above, teams participate in a league that includes programs from Maiden, Bunker Hill, Startown, Blackburn, Balls Creek, and Mountain View. Some games may require travel to partner gyms within the league.

Basketball Age Divisions

Our youngest athletes are introduced to the fundamentals of basketball in a fun, encouraging environment with a focus on dribbling, passing, shooting, basic defense, teamwork, sportsmanship, and building confidence. Players will practice regularly and play approximately 6–8 games.

Co-ed (ages 5 - 6)