Naperville parents with kids who want to hit the court this winter have one week to mark their calendars.
The Naperville Park District opens resident registration for its winter youth basketball season at noon Tuesday, Nov. 3, according to the district's program page. Nonresident registration follows at noon Thursday, Nov. 5. The deadline for all winter registrations is Dec. 7.
Space is limited, and the district calls the program one of its most popular offerings.
Who can play
The league is open to children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Kindergarteners play in coed divisions. First grade and up split into boys' and girls' divisions.
Players can register as individuals, or starting in third grade, as pre-formed teams of up to 10 players. Individual registration costs $147 for residents and $177 for nonresidents in the kindergarten-through-second-grade divisions. For third through eighth grade, the individual fee is $167 for residents and $197 for nonresidents. Full team registration is $1,670.
What the season looks like
Practices begin the week of Jan. 11, 2027. The nine-game season runs Jan. 23 through March 21.
Games are scheduled by age group. Kindergarteners and first graders play Saturdays at school district gymnasiums. Second through fourth graders play Saturdays at the Fort Hill Activity Center, 20 Fort Hill Drive. Fifth through eighth graders play Sundays at Fort Hill.
Practices take place at school sites across Naperville, assigned by the Park District. Some teams may practice at a neighboring school rather than the one their players attend, depending on facility availability.
Volunteer coaches needed
All coaches are parent volunteers. No previous coaching or basketball experience is required. The district provides weekly practice plans, a rules packet and referees for every game. Coaches who remain in good standing get priority registration for the following season.
Each player needs athletic attire, athletic shoes, an age-appropriate basketball and a water bottle. A blue-and-white reversible game jersey is also required and can be purchased at the Fort Hill Activity Center for $18. The jersey cost is not included in the registration fee.
How to register
Registration is available online at napervilleparks.org/napervilleyouthbasketball.
Payment and a signed waiver are required at the time of registration. Teams registering have until Nov. 30 to withdraw and receive a refund, minus a $200 processing fee.
The winter registration deadline is Dec. 7.
