RARE players are in a league of their own

ROSEVILLE — Youths and teenagers interested in joining a volleyball or basketball league this winter, there is a gymnasium waiting for you.

The Recreation Authority of Roseville and Eastpointe is accepting registration until Dec. 29 for its youth and teen basketball and volleyball leagues.

Programs include coed youth basketball for second through fifth graders, for middle school boys and girls grades 6-8, and three-on-three at the high school level for boys and girls. Also offered is a girls volleyball league for grades 6-8 and 9-12. The cost is $95 for residents and nonresidents. Beginning and advanced athletes are welcome.

“The recreation league introduces the players to the sport. We foster learning the fundamentals, skill development and making new friends,” RARE Deputy Director Sara Frederick said. “We have various teams in each of these age groups. We have great coaches who take time to develop their skills and learn everything.”

That includes teamwork, cheering each other on, and giving adequate time to each student. All games are played at the RARE building, 18185 Sycamore St. Practices will begin after Jan. 6, and the games will begin the weekend of Jan. 24. No games will be held over the weekend of Feb. 14.

Sports and fitness recreation Supervisor Adam Just said that many students return to the league each year, but beginners also join.

“If you’re a beginner, we will teach you everything from the beginning,” said Just, who went through the basketball league many years ago. “There are many talent levels on all the teams. Our goal is to watch the kids improve and make sure they are having fun.”

For Just, his favorite part of the league is seeing the growth and development in the young players.

“I’ve seen kids start in second and third grade that were never taught basketball,” Just said. “Now they’re making the teams at their high schools. Some play in college.”

The skills the athletes develop can be applied off the court.

“They carry on into the future as well,” Just said. “Being on time to practice and games, remembering your plays, remembering your jerseys.”

RARE is looking for volunteer coaches to help with the league. According to Just, most of the past coaches didn’t have children in the league.

“They’re here because they love the sport,” he said. “They love seeing the kids learn and have fun.”

There are no playoffs in the youth league, but the teams with the best seasons will receive an award. The girls volleyball games will be played on Sundays. The basketball league game days are as follows: second to third grade coed, sixth to eighth grade boys and girls on Saturdays; and fourth to fifth grade on Sundays. All the high school basketball games will be held on Fridays.

Anyone interested in being a volunteer coach can email Adam Just at ajust@rare-mi.org. Visit rare-mi.org to register for the youth leagues. For more information, call RARE at (586) 445-5480.