BLOOMINGTON – The Twin Lakes Recreation Center (TLRC) has issued a call for community volunteers to step up and coach for the upcoming Winter 2026 season of Bloomington Youth Basketball. The program provides an opportunity for adults to mentor young athletes, and no prior coaching experience is necessary to apply.
The volunteer effort is vital for running the league, which runs from January 26 through March 12. All practices and games will take place at the Twin Lakes Recreation Center, 1700 West Bloomfield Road, Bloomington.
Coaches are asked to commit to one practice per week and one game per week or weekend for the duration of the season. The program is designed to be flexible for volunteers:
- Practice Schedule: Coaches get to choose their practice time, which must fall between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. one evening per week. Practices for the season are scheduled to begin the week of January 19.
- Mandatory Meeting: A mandatory Coaches’ Meeting and Player Draft is scheduled for Wednesday, January 7, at 6:30 p.m. at the Twin Lakes Recreation Center. Prospective coaches must register by the deadline of Friday, January 2, to be eligible for the draft.
- Requirements: All volunteer coaches must be 18 years or older, commit to the entire season, and undergo a background check. Additionally, selected coaches must complete an annual online certification course through the National Youth Sports Coaches Association (NYSCA).
The Bloomington Youth Basketball League focuses on fundamentals, teamwork, and skill application.
- The league is coed through Grade 3.
- Girls-only leagues begin at Grade 4.
- The Winter 2026 season will also introduce a Boys Middle School League, pending sufficient registration numbers.
Those who have already registered as a volunteer coach for the Winter 2026 season do not need to take any further action.
To register as a volunteer coach, interested individuals should contact Emily Buuck via email at parksvol@bloomington.in.gov.
For general questions about the Bloomington Youth Basketball program, contact Cody Martin at cody.martin@bloomington.in.gov.
