70 Hawaii Parent SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 More Than Basketball: A Youth Basketball Clinic Where Every Child Gets a Chance By Jen Townsend, Vice President of Youth Development, YMCA of Honolulu Every Child Starts Somewhere Walk into the Nuuanu YMCA gym on a clinic day and you’ll hear the familiar sounds of bouncing basketballs, squeaking sneakers, and cheering teammates. Look a little closer, and you’ll notice something else: every child is involved. Some are making their first layup. Others are refining their jump shot. A few are preparing for school basketball tryouts. Regardless of skill level, every player is encouraged, challenged, and supported. That philosophy is the foundation of the Nuuanu YMCA Youth Basketball Clinic. While many youth basketball programs naturally focus on competitive teams or experienced athletes, the YMCA clinic was designed with a different goal in mind: creating a place where every child has the opportunity to learn, improve, and enjoy the game. There are no tryouts, and players of all skill levels are welcome. “We’ll take anyone and help them meet their personal goal,” said one of the clinic’s coaches. “Not every child wants the same thing, and that’s okay.”
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