The Centre Nittany Valley Sports Centre

Winter League

It's time for Winter League 2026 - 2027!

See below for all the details

Centre Basketball Academy

Basketball For All

The Centre Basketball Academy’s Winter Developmental League is designed for boys and girls in grades 2–9 who want to learn, play, and grow in the game of basketball. This program runs from November through February and provides players with two basketball sessions each week, either through structured practices or competitive games. The league is open to everyone—no tryouts are required—making it the ideal entry point for both beginners and developing players who are eager to improve.

 

The emphasis of the Winter Developmental League is exactly what its name suggests: development. Our coaches focus on teaching fundamental skills and concepts while fostering teamwork in an engaging and organized way. Practices focus on skill-building and preparing players to apply those skills in real game settings, while games provide opportunities to learn in competition with balanced teams formed by grade and ability.

All practices and games are held at the Nittany Valley Sports Centre, with referees who have also been trained to support a positive and developmental environment. Families can expect their players to grow in confidence, basketball skills, and enjoyment of the game, while also learning the values of teamwork and sportsmanship. The league is a fun, supportive space where every player gets the chance to participate, learn, and compete.

 

Important Dates to Know

November: Player evaluations, team formations, and division practices
December: Team practices and scrimmages
January: League games
February: League games and playoffs
Centre Select Club Basketball

Ready for the next level? Centre Select tryouts are coming in January. Sign up to let us know you’re interested and we’ll keep you posted on everything you need to know. Fill out the interest form now!

REGISTER HERE

FAQs

Q: Who can participate?
A: Boys and girls in grades 2–9. All levels of skill and experience are welcome. 

Q: When does the league run?
A: November through February. Teams meet twice per week for either practices or games. The end of season tournament starts in mid-February.

Q: What is the focus?
A: Teaching and Learning the game of basketball. Players will learn fundamental skills, teamwork, and strategy in a fun and supportive environment.

Q: How are teams formed?
A: Our first six practices will be an evaluation period to help us create even teams. Players are placed on balanced teams by experience and ability to keep competition fair and enjoyable.

Q: Who are the coaches?
 A: Coaches are trained through the CBA curriculum with an emphasis on teaching the game the right way. We will have space for parent volunteer coaches to assist and help coach our younger age groups. 

Q: What is the cost?
A: The cost is $400.  This Fee covers uniforms, practices, games, referees, equipment, and facility costs. If cost is an issue for your family, we have a payment plan option that will allow you to pay over time.

Q: What is Centre Select? 
A: Centre Select is the tryout based level of the Winter League. Players in grades 4-6 can sign up to try out for these teams. They will practice two times per week as well, but will compete regionally, and not as a part of the main developmental league.  

Q: If I try out for the Centre Select team, and I don’t make it, can I play in the developmental league? 
A: Yes, tryouts for Centre Select 2026/2027 will be in October. We will make our selections by November 1st and all players will receive an email with their roster spot. If you are not selected, you can still register for the developmental league.

Q: When does the season start? 
A: November 5, 2026

Q: How many teams are in each division? 
A: There are six teams in each age group.

Q: How many practices and games will each team have? 
A: Each team will practice twice per week in November and December, and each team will play two games per week in January and February. We may have a few intermittent practice dates throughout the game season. All activities take place at the Nittany Valley Sports Centre. 

Q: Where are the practices and games?
A: All events are held here at Nittany Valley Sports Centre. Teams will be assigned to a specific court for practices and games. These assignments will be on your Dash calendars after teams are formed.

Q: How are teams selected?
A: Our staff and our coaches will have a two- to three-week Player Evaluation period for each division. Teams will then be selected to create competitive balance in the league.

Q: How do I get involved as a coach?
A: Email basketball@thecentrepa.com if you are interested in coaching a team this winter. We will be meeting as a coaching staff on Sunday, November 1st, at 10:30am to prepare for the league and provide resources to help coaches who are newer or who would like some additional information.

Q: How many divisions will there be in the league?
A: There will be FOUR co-ed divisions, sorted roughly by grade: grades 2 & 3, grades 4 & 5, grades 6 & 7, and grades 8 & 9

Q: Can my child move up a division?
A: We will do our best to put every player where they belong to ensure the most appropriate development for each player. 

Q: What are the days for practices and games? 
A: Mondays and Thursdays

Q: What are the times for practices? 
A: Grades 2-3 and 4-5: 5:15pm-6:30pm
    Grades 6-7 and 8-9:  6:45pm-8:00pm

Q: Can we request to be on a team with friends?
A: No teammate requests will be taken this year.

Q: What about uniforms?
A: All players will receive a reversible jersey to wear for practices and games! Jerseys will be handed out in December.

 

“I love coaching sports (probably because so many of my coaches had a profound impact on me), so when I had the chance to be a volunteer youth basketball coach at the Nittany Valley Sports Centre, I could not pass it up.  It had been some years since I had coached a team, but my apprehension was immediately replaced with reassurance thanks to the staff at the NVSC.  They have created a well-organized, top-notch youth program, and they provide everything coaches and teams need to be successful.  The program centers around developing fundamental skills in a way that is fun and engaging, while building a love of basketball. Coaching at the Nittany Valley Sports Centre is a simple and rewarding way to support a younger generation of athletes while giving back to the community.” 

from a former Winter League coach

“My sons had a great experience participating in the 2024 Centre Basketball Academy Winter League.  The league provided a tremendously positive environment which truly highlighted the mission of the Centre Basketball Academy.  It was very inspiring and fulfilling to see firsthand the intentional attention to detail and high-level execution that everyone involved utilized to progressively move forward on a daily basis.  I look forward to the continued holistic learning, development, and competitive opportunities provided by programming offered by the many people involved with the Centre Basketball Academy.  Keep up the outstanding work!” 

from a former Winter League parents