There's Still Time to Sign Up For Youth Basketball Skills Clinic

There is still time for young basketball lovers to sign up for the skills clinic that precedes next weekend’s Helmets vs. Shields charity basketball game at Pierce College.

There are at least 15 spots available for the clinic, which runs from noon to 5 p.m., said Sgt. John Unfred, treasurer for the Lakewood Officers’ Charity, which puts on the event with West Pierce Fire & Rescue.

“We have some flexibility,” he said, “so we try to not turn anyone away.”

Young athletes will learn fundamentals, drills and life skills that they can use on and off the court. Police officers, firefighters and players and coaches from Pierce College will coach the event.

Boys and girls ages 7-12 are invited to attend for $40 each. The cost includes a game T-shirt, admission ticket to the charity basketball game that evening, a basketball to take home and a keepsake team photo.

Registration can be completed at www.helmetsvsshields.org.

Last year, about 30 kids participated in the skills clinic, and Unfred said they expect at least 35 – and have room for up to 50 – this year.

Between 10 and 12 of the attendees are from the Boys & Girls Club. Several local organizations donated scholarships so the kids could attend.

“Not only is this a really good skills camp for the kids – we have some college coaches who are helping – but some of the police and firefighters who play in the game are coaching, too,” Unfred said. “So they get to learn and interact in a really fun environment with both police and firefighters.”

Check back with Patch on Monday for an in-depth look at the Lakewood Officers' Charity.