Join the hundreds of participants who have already signed up for Garden City Basketball. The organization is pleased to announce that Island Garden Basketball has endorsed Garden City Basketball and they are a partner in helping to develop programs. The Island Garden will be supplying its full range of top-notch instructors to conduct at least one of the winter clinics. The organization also anticipates having clinics run by the Garden City High School varsity team/coaching staff as well as other clinics run by former professional players.

Garden City Basketball is run under the direction of John Skramko who has run basketball programs in Garden City for the last six years at St. Paul's. The organization is pleased to announce that one of the volunteers who has helped John the most over the years, Don Pfail, has resigned from the board of the GCAA and will be assisting Garden City Basketball.

The organization is currently working on a "Coaches Guide" featuring sample practice plans, drills and other helpful tips. For players, materials to help improve their game and focus on teamwork skills will be provided. For families, the organization will provide materials on how parents might consider supporting their youngsters while participating in youth sports. The package also includes educational information, nutritional suggestions and some fitness activities.

The Garden City Basketball intramural program is open to boys in Grades 1-9 and girls Grades 1-7 and is held in the St. Paul's Field House. The intramural program begins in mid-November and runs through March 2007. The Village of Garden City's Recreation Department has recognized Garden City Basketball as a program that will be allocated its fair share of space in St. Paul's.

During October there will be a coaches meeting, travel team tryouts and training for student game officials. If interested in being considered for a travel coaching position or for a spot as a student game official, contact the organization. Register online at www.gardencitybasketball.org for the upcoming season. The registration fee is $50. Paper applications may be obtained from the website, St. Paul's Cluett Hall and/or the Village of Garden City Recreation Office. The registration deadline is Oct. 7.

Visit www.gardencitybasketball.org for more information. Questions? Email jskramko@optonline.net or call 746-9659.