Imagine if every basketball court in America had goals, no adults coaching every move, and players of all ages just getting after it. Well it exists (at least in Medford NJ)!
Freedom, experimenting, risk taking, failing and succeeding, and ultimately learning! Simply playing is a necessary part of player development and keeping that love for the game burning hot!
This is where the game lives and breathes.....The AKKA Street League!
Awesome video showing the action! Article on league from a few summers back.
Details:
2014-08s Boys and Girls
When: 6 Fridays running July 8, 15, 22, 29, August 5, 12
Time: 645-8pm
Where: Freedom Park Basketball Courts (86 Union St. Medford, NJ 08055)
Cost: $10 per individual player per night (pay in advance or in person)
Format: 4v4 or 5v5 w/gks. Teams of 8 players maximum. We'll help individuals make teams.
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We send 3 teams to a court, 2 play, 1 rests,
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2 matches per night
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18-20min matches (length of match depends on # of players/teams on the evening)
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Rosters/Carding - NONE. This is a loose interpretation of a “league”. You can bring different players every week if you want. We're not worried about ringers being brought in to win matches.
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We'll have refs to help manage time and keep players safe - These are not USYS officials, these are older players or coaches that will call fouls and balls out of play. Their primary focus again is player safety and keep the games flowing.
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AKKA coaches will be on hand to help teams through the night with some tactics, technical advice, etc., BUT this is a Player and Game centered environment. Players are strongly encouraged to do their own subbing and coaching of themselves. Adult Coaches are NOT required BUT welcome as with the youngest players a little help subbing can be useful BUT we have to remember that kids are capable of managing these decisions especially if provided a little guidance and room to do so.