Jr. Celtics Academy Basketball - Gallagher Division (Grades 1–4)

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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 Tuesday, Jan. 5th at 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, December 7th, 2026

Please review the Regions Carefully: 
North Deering: Lyseth, Talbot, and Other (Friends School or Home school)
Deering Center: Longfellow, Rowe, Ocean Ave., Breakwater, and St. Brigid School
Downtown: 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, Jan. 22. 

Coaches Mandatory Meeting: Tuesday, January 5th - 5:30pm at Riverton Community Center. 
Coaches Training: Saturday, January 23rd - TBA (Morning)

Pre-Season Clinic & Evaluations for all players: Saturday, January 23rd 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 January 25th, 2027.

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, February 6th , and the season runs through March 27th.

Picture Days: February 27th at Riverton and March 6th 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.
Register Activity Ages Grades Days Date/Time Fees
 
   Log In
GIRLS 1-2 - Deering Center (Longfellow, Rowe, St Brigid, Breakwater, & Ocean) 
N/A 1 - 2   01/23/2027 - 03/06/2027

 $105.00 Res, $125.00 Non-Res
 
   Log In
GIRLS 1-2 - Downtown (Reiche, East End, Waynflete, Presumpscot, & Peaks) 
N/A 1 - 2   01/23/2027 - 03/06/2027

 $105.00 Res, $125.00 Non-Res
 
   Log In
GIRLS 1-2 North Deering (Lyseth, Talbot, & Other) 
N/A 1 - 2   01/23/2027 - 03/06/2027

 $105.00 Res, $125.00 Non-Res
 
   Log In
BOYS 1 -2 - Deering Center (Longfellow, Rowe, St Brigid, Breakwater & Ocean) 
N/A 1 - 2   01/23/2027 - 03/06/2027

 $105.00 Res, $125.00 Non-Res
 
   Log In
BOYS 1-2 - Downtown (Reiche, East End, Waynflete, Presumpscot, & Peaks) 
N/A 1 - 2   01/23/2027 - 03/06/2027

 $105.00 Res, $125.00 Non-Res
 
   Log In
BOYS 1-2 - North Deering (Lyman Moore, Lyseth, Talbot, & Other) 
N/A 1 - 2   01/23/2027 - 03/06/2027

 $105.00 Res, $125.00 Non-Res
 
   Log In
COED 1-2 Team 
N/A 1 - 2   01/23/2027 - 03/06/2027

 $105.00 Res, $125.00 Non-Res
 
   Log In
GIRLS 3-4 - Deering Center (Longfellow, Rowe, St Brigid, Breakwater & Ocean) 
N/A 3 - 4   01/23/2027 - 03/06/2027

 $105.00 Res, $125.00 Non-Res
 
   Log In
GIRLS 3-4 - Downtown (Reiche, East End, Waynflete, Presumpscot, & Peaks) 
N/A 3 - 4   01/23/2027 - 03/06/2027

 $105.00 Res, $125.00 Non-Res
 
   Log In
GIRLS 3-4 North Deering (Lyseth, Talbot, & Other) 
N/A 3 - 4   01/23/2027 - 03/06/2027

 $105.00 Res, $125.00 Non-Res
 
   Log In
BOYS 3-4 - Deering Center (Longfellow, Rowe, St Brigid, Breakwater & Ocean) 
N/A 3 - 4   01/23/2027 - 03/06/2027

 $105.00 Res, $125.00 Non-Res
 
   Log In
BOYS 3-4 - Downtown (Reiche, East End, Waynflete, Presumpscot, & Peaks) 
N/A 3 - 4   01/23/2027 - 03/06/2027

 $105.00 Res, $125.00 Non-Res
 
   Log In
BOYS 3-4 - North Deering ( Lyseth, Talbot, & Other) 
N/A 3 - 4   01/23/2027 - 03/06/2027

 $105.00 Res, $125.00 Non-Res
 
   Log In
COED 3-4 Team 
N/A 3 - 4   01/23/2027 - 03/06/2027

 $105.00 Res, $125.00 Non-Res
* Adjustments and discounts will be applied during checkout if applicable. *

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