2026 Basketball Sponsors

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.

Important Information

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Registration typically opens early September each year.

Due to gym space and team limitations, registration is capped at 175 players 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.

Each family is asked to volunteer two hours of service during the season, helping with scorekeeping, concessions, gym supervision, or events. 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 held in early November, typically the week before Thanksgiving.

Practices begin immediately after Thanksgiving.

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