The opportunity for the formation of a midget basketball program at the Basketball New Brunswick club level is now underway across the province.
Although some BNB associations offer midget recreational programs, there is not a widespread club program offered like the mini and bantam levels. Several organizers want to see this change.
“There can be some areas and pockets of the province that don’t have a midget program and we’re losing many of those players who simply don’t have a place to play,” said Brad Janes, president of the Fredericton-based Northside Minor Basketball Association. “If we lose those children who don’t make a high school or Tier II team in their area, we may not get them back and they’ll move on. Many of us feel there should be a natural progression from mini to bantam and then on to midget and even juvenile if the numbers are there. It’s a big chance for BNB to have programs in place to keep children playing.”
There is activity with the NMBA, Fredericton YCBC, Moncton and Sackville attempting to establish midget programs that would run from December through March. Moncton already has two female midget recreation teams and four midget boys’ recreation teams.
“Like anything that is new, it can take some time, but a number of people are committed to make this happen and we hope it reaches fruition,” said Janes. “Even if there’s three associations or four involved at the start, it can grow. We’re not anticipating dozens of teams. We simply want to create a program that is functional and provides opportunity for those players to play. That’s the bottom line.”
For further information on the initiative, contact Janes at 506-457-8361 or email nmbageneral@live.com