Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley will get kids moving with a new program that promotes physical fitness and skill development while building character, leadership, teamwork and vital life skills.

The new program, BGCAZ Athletics, will feature professional, affordable, and convenient sports leagues available to youth from all socio-economic backgrounds.

“The idea is to ensure every child has an opportunity to participate in competitive sports to grow as athletes and individuals,” Marcia Mintz, BGCAZ president and CEO, shares in a press release.

The indoor and outdoor leagues will kick off Saturday, Feb. 10 with Jr. Suns Basketball, a K-8 co-ed league spanning 10 weeks, including two-hour practice sessions during the first two weeks, followed by six weeks of practice and games and two weeks of playoffs.

All games will take place in three Phoenix locations (Jerry Colangelo Boys & Girls Club, 1755 N. 34th Ave.; Bob and Renee Parsons Boys & Girls Club, 4309 E. Belleview St., Building 14; and Warner and Shirley Gabel Boys & Girls Club, 1330 N. 15th St.) plus one in Mesa (Grant Woods Boys & Girls Club, 221 W. 6th Ave.).

Each athlete will receive a Jr. Suns jersey and shorts, a Suns gift item, and one ticket to a Phoenix Suns home game.

The champions of each site, plus the highest-ranked runner-up, will meet in the Final Four tournament in Week 10 at one of the sites.

BGCAZ Athletics is possible thanks to support from presenting sponsor BOK Financial, along with Fiesta Bowl Charities, Jr. Suns and the Jerry Colangelo Hall of Fame Series.

Registration for the inaugural basketball leagues is open through Sunday, Jan. 14. The cost is $70 for BGCAZ members and $100 for non-members.

Visit https://www.bgcazathletics.org/ for more information or to register.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley offers after-school and summer programs for 12,000+ young people in grades K-12 at 30 clubs across the Valley.