Portland Parks, Recreation, and Facilities, in partnership with the Jr. Celtics Academy, is excited to launch another season of youth basketball in Portland. Our league focuses on youth development and core basketball fundamentals, relying on the dedication and leadership of our volunteer coaches.
Jr. Celtics Mission Statement:
The Jr. Celtics Academy provides New England's youth with inclusive, high-quality basketball experiences. Using engaging and proven coaching techniques, we teach both athletic and life skills to inspire the next generation of Celtics fans. Built on evidence-based practices and developmental frameworks, our leagues empower young athletes to reach their full potential. Through a structured curriculum, players and coaches receive comprehensive guidance for individual skill building, team tactics, practice execution, game-day preparation, and reflection.
Our league relies on volunteer coaches to operate, with each team led by at least two co-coaches.
Can you respect and encourage players?
Are you a positive role model?
Are you a clear, consistent communicator?
Are you someone who listens?
Do you have some knowledge of basketball?
What's Involved?
Attending the mandatory coaches meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 4th at 5:30pm @ Riverton
Sending a welcome email to your team parents and players
Leading one weeknight practice per week
Organizing and coaching your team during Saturday games
Reaching out to the recreation staff whenever support is needed
Directing parent or player inquiries that require staff assistance to the recreation team
Sign me up!
If you are interested in coaching, please indicate your interest during your child's registration and complete the Volunteer Coach Form. Recreation staff will then send you a background check application. Once you pass the background check and confirm that your coaching values align with the Jr. Celtics Academy mission, we will see you at the coaches meeting and assign you a team.
Without enough coaches, teams cannot be formed and practice schedules are delayed. In fact, an entire division can be held up if we lack sufficient volunteer coaches, and we hate to see kids miss out on starting the program due to a shortage of volunteers.
Registration Deadline: Monday, October 26th
Please review the Regions Carefully:
North Deering: Lyman Moore MS, Lyseth, Talbot, and Other (Friends School or Home school)
Deering Center: Lincoln MS, Longfellow, Rowe, Ocean Ave., Breakwater, and St. Brigid School
Downtown: King MS, Reiche, East End, Presumpscot, Waynflete School, and Peaks
If you would like your child to play on the Coed team please select Coed below. If there are not enough Coed players they will be matched up with one of the other teams in the Boys division for that grade level. If you encounter any difficulties registering your child for the division that best aligns with their gender identity, please contact us for assistance in ensuring they are placed correctly.
Cancellation Policy: The final date to withdraw from the program for a refund is Friday, Nov. 6th.
Coaches Mandatory Meeting: Wednesday, Nov. 4th - 5:30pm at Riverton Community Center.
Coaches Training: Saturday, Nov. 7th - At Riverton | Time: TBA
Pre-Season Clinic & Evaluations for all players: Saturday, November 7th at Riverton | Time TBA
Practices: Practices take place once per week in the evenings at Lyseth, Ocean Avenue, Rowe Elementary, East End, Reiche, or the Riverton Community Center. Practices begin the week of November 9, 2026.
Games: Games are played on Saturdays (times TBD) at the East End Community Center, Rowe Elementary, and Riverton Community Center. Opening games for the Caldwell Division will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2026, and the season runs through January 16, 2027.
Picture Days: December 5th at Riverton and December 12th at East End.
Key Program Details:
Team Formation — Our goal is to create balanced teams to ensure competitive games and positive challenges for all players. Brief evaluation questions will be included during registration to help create balanced rosters.
Special Requests — Requests regarding carpooling, assisting neighbors with transportation barriers, or pairing a player with a friend can be submitted during the online registration process.
Weather Cancellations — Weather-related updates and cancellations for practices and games will be posted at the top of the home page HERE.