Boys and girls in grades 1st through 8th are eligible to participate in the Avonworth Little Lopes Programs. There are two divisions, the In-House Division and the Traveling Division. Traveling Division players must reside in the Avonworth School District.
Travel Team Program
Intended for more practiced players who are looking for a competitive Travel experience. Please note -- the Travel program is different than our Little Lopes In-House Program, which is geared for beginning and less practiced players, with a winter season. Communication for the In-House program will be forthcoming. Travel practices and games will occur weeknights and weekends, against regional teams outside of Avonworth, from Nov - March. This is available for 3rd-6th Grade Boys, and 3rd-8th Grade Girls.
Elementary Boys Travel – Grades 3, 4, 5, 6
Boys travel teams will be split by grade level, into A and B level teams based on the skill assessed at tryouts (see tryout description below). Depending on registration numbers in each grade, boys will be eligible to play on teams in their grade level - no permanent playing up or playing down by grade level. All boys trying out may not make the travel team. Team size will vary. Attendance at all practices is mandatory to ensure playing time. During the season there may be weeks with multiple games as well as practices. There is significant time commitment to participate on travel teams.
Elementary Girls Travel – Grades 3, 4, 5, 6
Depending on registration numbers in each grade, girls will be eligible to play only on team(s) at their grade level – no permanent playing-up or playing-down by grade level. All girls trying out may not make a travel team (see tryout description below). Team size will vary. Attendance at all practices is mandatory to ensure playing time. During the season there may be weeks with multiple games as well as practices. There is significant time commitment to participate on travel teams.
Middle School Girls Travel – Grade 7,8
Depending on registration numbers in each grade, girls will be eligible to play only on team(s) at their grade level – no permanent playing-up or playing-down by grade level. All girls trying out may not make a travel team (see tryout description below). Team size will vary. Attendance at all practices is mandatory to ensure playing time. During the season there may be weeks with multiple games as well as practices. There is significant time commitment to participate on travel teams.
Tryout Process
As numbers may dictate, tryouts are to be expected for the boys & girls (3rd-6th grade) travel teams. Coaches will communicate tryout dates in advance and stipulate at least 2 days/times for tryouts. Players must attend the tryouts to be considered to play on a travel team. There will be no tryouts for the 7th & 8th grade girls.
General Info
The registration fee for the Travel Program is $190 .
Uniform Costs
Full uniform costs are $90 ($46 Jersey + $44 Shorts). Any player that wants to order extra jersey(s) and/or shorts will be charged additionally for each uniform component and quantity they order.
Travel Team Coaches
Interested Little Lopes parents should sign up as a 'Head Coach' Volunteer (during the registration process) and will be required to submit the proper clearance forms referenced below BEFORE they can participate in any coaching activities. The Little Lopes Secretary will review a list of Head Coaching candidates with the 'Travel Team Coach Selection Committee', and then will submit a recommendation to the Little Lopes Board for each Travel Team. The final appointment of travel team coaches shall be made by a majority approval of the Little Lopes Board.
All coaches and volunteers involved with our organization shall complete a State Police Criminal Record Check and a PA Child Abuse History Clearance. For those individuals who have not resided in PA continuously for the previous 10 years they must also complete an FBI Criminal Background Check. Please visit the BACKGROUND CHECKS link on this website for more details.
In-House Programs
The focus of the Little Lopes in-house basketball program is to promote teamwork and good sportsmanship, while providing all children a fun opportunity & positive environment within which to learn AND play the sport of basketball.
Please note that Travel Basketball Players are encouraged to sign up and play in the In-House Basketball Leagues as well - as there should be minimal conflicts between those two schedules.
In-House LEAGUE Description - Boys grades 3rd/4th, 5th/6th, 7th/8th & Girls grades 3rd/4th, 5th/6th
This program will begin January and run through mid-March. Each Saturday there will be a 30-minute practice followed by a one-hour game. The program will consist of an 8-10 game season weather permitting. Players will each receive a numbered, reversible red/white Avonworth basketball practice pinney to wear to each session. Players will be grouped into evenly matched teams with assigned coaches and a team name. The schedule and number of teams will be based on registration turnout. The fee for In-House LEAGUES is $95.
In-House SKILLS Program Description - 1st Grade Boys, 2nd Grade Boys, and 1st & 2nd Grade Girls
This Program will begin in January and run through February (8 sessions). Each week will consist of introducing and reinforcing the key skills of basketball. The players will rotate through stations that will address passing, dribbling, shooting, and defense. As the session goes, the drills will progress. Players will be grouped into teams with assigned coaches and team name, and move from skill station to skill station with that team. Players will receive a reversible red/white Avonworth basketball pinney. The fee for the In-House SKILLS Program is $75.