What is SLV Hoops?

SLV Hoops is a part of SLV Youth, Inc., a non-profit organization that enables youth activities and sports in the San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley communities. Our goal is to provide a safe and fun learning environment for youth in 3rd through 8th grade.

When will the season start and end?

The season runs from November through the middle of March.

In early November, we have a skills evaluation at the SLVHS gym. This evaluation allows an evaluation committee and coaches to see a player’s athleticism and skill level. We then use this information to build balanced teams. Having balanced teams is important at this level of development.

By mid-November, we will have built the teams and scheduled practices. Teams usually begin practice near the end of November or early December.

The first games start at the beginning of January and continue through February. We do our best to work around Little League and Girls Softball, which are just starting to gear up.

When and where can I register my child?

Registration opens the middle of September. You can use our secure online registration platform.

How much is it to register my child?

The current registration fee is $125.

With this, we purchase insurance, rent facilities, print uniforms, purchase basketballs, and buy additional equipment needed to run a youth program. Profits are donated back to other local youth teams.

How about Refunds?

We do give refunds up to our skills evaluation. Refunds of 100%, less our provider service fee, are given two weeks before the skills evaluation. A fee of $35 may be subtracted after this period leading up to the day of evaluations. No refunds are given after the skills evaluation.

I don’t do Credit or Debit Cards

That’s cool too!. Go ahead and select the “Pay by Check” option when registering and mail a check to:

SLV Youth
250 Main Street, #11
Ben Lomond, CA 95005

Be sure to place your child’s name on the check.

When are Practices & Games?

Teams are allowed to practice twice per week. Each team receives an indoor practice time on Sunday and can hold an outdoor practice on an SLVUSD campus during the week. Our head coaches choose their indoor and outdoor times based on their schedules. We encourage teams within the same division to practice simultaneously to scrimmage if they desire. We encourage the Elementary divisions to practice immediately after school.

On Saturdays, games begin at 8:30 AM in the middle school gym and noon in the high school gym. New for 2024 – we no longer have access to the Gym on Saturday mornings. Below is the current DRAFT schedule which may change in November.

How do you select the teams?

A small group of members and coaches select teams based on ability, athleticism, and physical size. The selection committee is committed to forming balanced teams through the evaluation process and our knowledge from previous experience with players. Head coaches draw their teams after they are formed, and a process is in place for Coaches to move their children to the selected team. This is often called a BLIND DRAFT.

Can players opt “up” a division?

The goal is for players to play with their age group. Occasionally, we will allow players to play up if their ability exceeds their age group and we feel they are not disadvantaged in the higher division. Each case is handled individually, and the player must be evaluated at our skills evaluation. If your child is on an “elite travel ball,” then SLV Hoops may not be a good fit.

Can I request a team, coach, or player?

Generally, we do not honor requests to be placed on specific teams or with specific players or coaches. We do consider requests for first-time players only.

Do we offer scholarships?

We do not offer full scholarships. We do accept payments and can offer a discount. Each scholarship is handled on a case-by-case basis. If offered, we can consider volunteer hours in exchange for registration fees. For example, our referees receive a stipend per game.

What if I have other questions?

Please don’t hesitate to contact us directly at info@slvyouth.org or fill out our feedback form.