As the fall sports programs come to a close, Port Washington Youth Activities (PYA) prepares for another season of its winter programs. Their two major winter sports are basketball and wrestling. Both programs will start in the beginning of December.
About 1,000 kids usually particpate in PYA’s basketball program. The age groups range from kindergarten to 7th grade. The program is open to both boys and girls regardless of their skill level.
“The PYA basketball program is one of our most traditional programs,” said Program Director Brandon Kurz. “It’s gone back as long as PYA has been in existence.”
PYA uses several Port Washington school gymnasiums as facilities for their program. Their mission is to ensure that everyone who joins has a chance to play basketball. Beginners will have a chance to learn about the fundamentals of the game while the high-level players will continue to enhance their skills. The program creates even teams based on age and skill level.
“We encourage all players from all skill sets to participate,” said Kurz.
While PYA’s basketball program is one of their mainstays, the wrestling program serves as an upcoming one. They operate alongside with the high school wrestling program. Schreiber High School Coach Anthony Schettino and Anthony Coccarelli will once again oversee this program.
“Coach Schettino does an unbelievable job with these kids and tries to make sure the wrestling program continues to have an interest level that is necessary to help build up the program,” said Kurz. “He and Coach Coccarelli have done a wonderful job of making sure that they are there all the time and working with the kids.”
The wrestling program maxes out at about 48 participants. It is first-come, first-served due to limited spacing. Kurz stressed that it is essential to sign up early so participants can earn a spot in
the program. The age groups go from ages 8 to 13-year-olds. PYA anticipates a strong turnout for their wrestling program, so early registration is recommended.
“We are trying to continue building up our wrestling program from eight-year-olds all the way up to the high school system,” said Kurz.
For more information on PYA’s winter programs, visit www.pyasports.org.
