GREAT BAY--Six elementary schools are participating in a new basketball league launched by the PSA Athletics Association, marking the organization's first school-based 5x5 competition aimed at introducing young students to competitive basketball and developing the sport at the grassroots level.
The inaugural Elementary School Basketball League began on November 4, 2026, at the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex, where participating schools will compete throughout November and December.
The pilot initiative is designed to give students an opportunity to develop their basketball skills while promoting teamwork, discipline, confidence and sportsmanship. It also forms part of PSA's broader efforts to expand youth participation in basketball and establish a foundation for a larger school league in 2027.
The six participating schools are Sister Marie Laurence School, Sister Magda School, Learning Unlimited Preparatory School, Caribbean International Academy, Asha Stevens Hillside Christian School and the Methodist Agogic Centre.
PSA Director Omar Beauperthuy said introducing children to basketball at an early age is an important part of building the sport's future.
“It is very important to start at the grassroots level,” Beauperthuy said. “Our original intention was to involve as many elementary schools as possible on the Dutch side. To build that participation, we first need to introduce more children to basketball and give them opportunities to learn and enjoy the game.”
In preparation for the league, Beauperthuy conducted basketball training sessions at selected schools, introducing students to the fundamentals of the sport and encouraging them to participate. According to PSA, the response and commitment from participating schools helped establish the foundation for the inaugural season.
Regular-season games are scheduled for November 4, November 12, November 19 and December 9, with games beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex.
The playoff stage will include quarterfinals, semifinals, a third-place game and a championship final, followed by an awards ceremony. The dates for those games will be announced later.
Beyond providing opportunities for competition, the league will allow PSA and participating schools to assess the resources and support required to expand the initiative to additional elementary schools next year.
“This pilot is an opportunity to build interest, strengthen knowledge of the game and lay the foundation for a larger elementary school league in 2027,” Beauperthuy explained. “We want to give more children the chance to develop their skills and experience the value of being part of a team.”
PSA Athletics Association is encouraging parents, families, school communities and members of the public to attend the games and support the participating students.
The organization said community involvement is an important part of creating a positive sporting environment and helping young athletes develop confidence through school competition.
Additional information about game schedules, playoff arrangements and other updates will be shared through Performance Sports Academy-SXM on Facebook and @performance_sports on Instagram.
