Mpls Lakers Youth Traveling Basketball Program Inc

The Mpls Lakers Youth Traveling Basketball Program Inc is a non-profit 501 (C) 3, that was established in 2012 to provide traveling basketball programs for boys and girls 4th-8th grade, who live in and/or attend school within the city of Minneapolis.

Our goal and focus is to aid in the development of youth basketball skills, promote teamwork and sportsmanship while having fun playing the game of basketball. We provide skill appropriate experiences for youth, and are governed by a 22 member volunteer board that provides direction and oversight for the organization’s activities. In addition to having fun and developing skills, we believe we can teach life lessons through basketball and teach basketball through the lessons of life.

Each year more than 260 kids tryout to make one of our teams; 4th - 8th grade. The tryout session produces 22 teams, with a total of 225+ players. All 51 coaches for our teams are volunteers. We provide scholarships as an inclusive effort for all to participate no matter what their socioeconomic status.

Each team plays in at least 9 weekend tournaments (an average of 3 games per tournament) during our season which runs from November to early March. Practice sessions are held twice weekly for each of the teams.

In addition to games and practices, we organize and run extra activities for our players and families. These have included special ticket sales Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx games, playing during halftime at specific University of Minnesota Gopher Men’s & Women’s games, guest speakers, skills clinics and area High School game nights.

The Mpls Lakers promote and provide education, inspiration and skill development opportunities for our young players because we know and value the important role that sports plays in the lives of kids in shaping their confidence, camaraderie, work ethic and drive to have fun while performing at their absolute best. We expand the scope of services annually.