Youngsters between the ages of 8 and 13 will have an opportunity to sharpen their basketball skills this summer by attending a series of instructional clinics conducted by coaches and players from the Hofstra "Pride" men's and women's varsity teams. A total of eight clinics are set for Tuesday afternoons throughout the summer at various Town of Hempstead parks, according to Supervisor Rich Guardino.

"This summer, the Town of Hempstead will again team with Hofstra University to present a series of instructional basketball clinics for town youngsters," explains Guardino. "Learning basic skills from top flight coaches and outstanding college athletes provides a great learning experience for all participants."

Clinics will be held on Tuesday afternoons from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the following schedule:

June 26 - Women's Team at Elmont Road Park, 755 Elmont Road, Elmont. Call 285-8508 for information.

July 10 - Women's Team at Merrick Road Park, 2550 Clubhouse Road, Merrick. Call 868-4373 for information.

July 17 - Men's Team at Baldwin Park, 3232 South Grand Avenue, Baldwin Harbor. Call 546-4481 for information.

July 24 - Men's Team at Harold Walker Park, 1085 Woodfield Road, Lakeview. Call 766-2277 for information.

July 31 - Women's Team at Newbridge Road Park, 2600 Newbridge Road, Bellmore. Call 783-2500 for information.

Aug. 7 - Men's Team at Seaman's Neck Park, 2700 South Seaman's Neck Road, Seaford. Call 783-3200 for information.

Aug. 14 - Men's Team at Smith Street Park, Smith Street, Uniondale. For information call 483-2770.

Aug. 28 - Women's Team at Veteran's Memorial Park, 1700 Prospect Avenue, East Meadow. Call 296-7780 for information.

"It is indeed a privilege to be working with the key people in Hofstra's enormously successful basketball program," added Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby. "Along with all 'Pride' fans, our township took great pleasure in the men's consecutive America East Championships and their two NCAA Tournament appearances."

"In addition to its competitive success, the Hofstra basketball program continues to be active in the local community and its interest in youth development has been particularly impressive," said Guardino. "Coaches Tom Pecora and Leslie Danowski are to be commended for their commitment to young people and their enthusiastic efforts to provide programs of instruction and encouragement."

Either Coach Pecora or Coach Danowski will supervise each clinic. The coaches will be accompanied by varsity assistants and star players from their respective teams. Skills such as shooting, dribbling, passing and defending will be covered at each session. Youngsters will also have an opportunity to compete for prizes and basketball mementos at each clinic.

Registration is not required for the basketball clinics and youngsters are invited to participate as often as possible. Due to National Collegiate Athletic Association regulations, youngsters beyond the age of 13 may not participate, but they may observe and ask for autographs. Additional event information may be obtained by calling Hempstead Town Hall at 489-5000, ext. 3497.