03 February 2014

    

The Salvation Army has a long history of working with kids and teens – promoting the importance of keeping mind, body, and spirit fit and ready for growth. At many locations throughout the Northwest Divisions, kids and teens are visiting Salvation Army locations after school for homework assistance, reading tutors, computer labs, meals, athletic programs, and music lessons. All programs are provided to families for free, and parents appreciate that their kids are in a safe environment after school. 

At one Salvation Army location in Seattle, a new basketball program is now available for even younger kids. At the Seattle White Center Corps, “Biddy Basketball” is underway for kids ages five through eight. 

    

The Biddy Basketball league began in October 2013, and now has 64 boys and girls enrolled. The mission of the program is to introduce sportsmanship and teach basketball skills in the spirit of fun and health. 

“For many of these kids, it is their introduction to team play,” said Major Raymond Erickson-King, Corps Officer at Seattle White Center. “It is important that they learn at an early age what it means to work as a team and how they can be successful through cooperation.”

Kindergarten and first-grade teams are named after college mascots. These teams play on half-court with lower baskets. The second- and third-grade teams are named after NBA teams and play on half-court with regulation height baskets. 

The next session of Biddy Basketball will begin at The Salvation Army White Center Corps this Spring. For information about registering a player or team, please call 206.767.3150.