There’s a new youth basketball league at the Mission Viejo YMCA that’s geared toward special-needs athletes.
The league, dubbed Buddy Basketball, is run by local high school athletes. The program was started 18 months ago by several high school students at the Laguna Niguel YMCA. Mission Viejo resident and Capistrano Valley High School student Erica Stoll is working with the founders to expand the program into Mission Viejo.
Buddy Basketball helps special needs children learn the skills and the game in a controlled environment with 1-on-1 attention with a volunteer high school athlete. The season lasts 10 weeks and meets for an hour on Sunday. At the end of the season, parents get a progress report and each participant receives a trophy.
The program takes place at 11 a.m. Sunday from January 25 to April 19 at the Mission Viejo YMCA at 27341 Trabuco Circle.
There is a nominal fee to cover costs and a scholarship program for families in need.
For more information, contact Kevin or Erica Stoll at 949-338-7113 or mvbuddybasketball@gmail.com.
Kelly Tokarski
The City of Mission Viejo
Public Information Specialist
