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FCC Youth
Basketball

A basketball league for 3rd-6th graders focused on skill-development, teamwork, and fun!

About

We are so excited to offer a NEW youth basketball league for third through sixth graders! 

A Message from Our Director

I’m Anthony Liu, and I’m excited to lead this youth basketball program at First Covenant Church for third to sixth graders. I’ve had the privilege of coaching youth basketball for four years, starting shortly after graduating college with the University Village Basketball League in Albany, CA. In addition to my experience on the court, I’ve completed Positive Coaching Alliance workshops, which are based on Stanford University research, to ensure that I’m offering the best coaching practices. These workshops emphasize creating positive, supportive environments that help young athletes develop a love for the game.

Outside of basketball, I’ve also coached youth soccer for my son, which has helped me bring a well-rounded, inclusive approach to coaching. The values I learned through these experiences, especially the influence of Rick Sletadahl from the University Village program, inspire me every day as I strive to create a positive experience for every player in our program.

League Values

Our program is centered around core principles that promote skill development, teamwork, and fun. These values set us apart and guide everything we do:
League Parity
We believe in creating balanced teams where every player can thrive. After two weeks of pre-season evaluation, teams are divided based on skill level and physical ability. To maintain fairness throughout the season, the director may make adjustments or trades as needed. Every player receives equal playing time to ensure everyone has a chance to grow and improve in an environment in which winning is not the most important thing.
Teamwork
Basketball is a team sport, and we emphasize ball movement and teamwork. For example, if a player makes a pass but doesn’t move to a new spot, it’s considered a turnover. The same goes for excessive dribbling, which will be an automatic turnover. While this might feel like a challenge at first, these rules are designed to help players develop better teamwork, especially for those who are newer to the game. We also don’t allow double teaming unless the player is inside the paint—another way to encourage fair play and inclusivity.
This approach has measurably helped players improve, transitioning from clumping together to moving with purpose and working as a true team.
Director's Role
As the director, I am not only the coach but also the referee. This allows me to make decisions that keep the best interests of the players and league at the forefront, maintaining consistency and fairness across the season.
Positive Reinforcement
After every game, we gather for a special “Victory Circle,” where players and coaches highlight the positive moments from the game. This time of positive reinforcement and peer recognition helps build confidence, morale, and a sense of community.

Schedule

All sessions except April 26 are 90 minutes with with drills and instruction in the first half followed by the game.
March 22
Early Session @ 1pm
Late Session @ 2:45pm
Pre-season/
Evaluations
March 29
Early Session @ 9am
Late Session @ 10:45am
Pre-season/
Evaluations
April 5
NO SESSION
OUSD Spring Break
April 12
Early Session @ 1pm
Late Session @ 2:45pm
Regular Game #1
April 19
NO SESSION
Easter Weekend
April 26
Early Session @ 5pm
Late Session @ 6:45pm
Regular Game #2
*60 minute session*
May 3
Early Session @ 9am
Late Session @ 10:45am
Regular Game #3
May 10
Early Session @ 9am
Late Session @ 10:45am
Playoff Week #1
May 17
Early Session @ 9am
Late Session @ 10:45am
Playoff Week #2
All games will be held at the First Covenant Church Gym:
4000 Redwood Road, Oakland

Registration

Program Cost is $140 per player. Our fees are significantly lower than other local programs, and we are committed to supporting families in need. If you’re able, we welcome any donations to help fund scholarships.
Register Here

Questions?

Contact Us