Who can play on a WBC basketball team?
Boys and girls, grades 3-6 interested in participating in the club are welcome to register; however, logistics will cater to athletes residing in the westside area of Missoula.
How do we get information regarding WBC (e.g., days and times and locations of open gyms, tryouts, practices, etc.)?
The WBC website will be updated with a calendar of upcoming and recurring events. As teams are formed, coaches will communicate their team schedules through parent communication.
When and where are tryouts/team placements for this next season?
Registration closes 10/14/2024
Girls Grades 3 - 6 are scheduled for October 27 (4pm-8pm)
Boys Grades 3 - 6 are scheduled for November 3 (4pm-8pm)
All sessions will be held at Desmet Elementary gymnasium
More details on each age group are available on the Upcoming Events Calendar
What are the dates and locations for local and travel tournaments?
Our Upcoming Events calendar will be updated frequently as we approach the season, as tournaments are being organized and added. Local competitive tournaments and games will be updated soon. Travel tournaments that have posted are now available on the Upcoming Events calendar.
What are the costs to participate in Westside Basketball Club?
Total costs for the two options are as follows:
-Local Competitive (non travel): $275
-Travel Competitive (travel): $400
Fee includes tournament registration fees, insurance, and gym rental fees.
Game uniforms are club provided (no cost but returned at end of the season)
*Travel costs for hotel, transportation, and food are not covered by the club unless specific arrangements are made for scholarship players or other circumstances.
How many teams will there be, and when/how will teams be created?
If enough kids sign up and enough coaches volunteer WBC’s goal is to have two teams in each grade for each gender (e.g., a travel team for 5th grade girls, a non-travel team for 5th grade girls, a travel team for 5th grade boys, and a non-travel team for 5th grade boys). WBC anticipates having tryouts late October/early November, after which time WBC will notify families what team their child will be on. Every child will make a team.
Can families choose if their child is on the travel or non-travel team?
Parent's can certainly decide to not have their child play on a travel team for various reasons—e.g., the time commitment or monetary commitment. If a parent wants his/her child to be on a travel team the child will try out for the travel competitive team. If the child does not make the travel team, or if the child’s parent chooses to not have the child play on a travel team, the child will be on the local competitive team (non-travel).
If your child makes the travel team but does not have the resources to pay for travel and related expenses (e.g., WBC’s fees, gas, hotels, food, etc.), please contact WBC, as WBC’s goal is for all children to be able to participate.
Will all teams travel out-of-town?
No. There will be two types of teams—a travel team and a local competitive (non-travel) team. The time and financial commitment is more with the travel competitive team.
Will a child ever be put on a team above or below his/her grade level?
If we need to combine teams for any reason, an athlete may play at a grade higher than their own.
Are coaches or volunteers paid?
No. All coaches, administrative staff and board members are unpaid volunteers working together to create more basketball opportunities for young athletes.
What is WBC’s coaching style and philosophy regarding player development?
WBC believes all athletes progress at different speeds/levels. While some may be more experienced now, others will continue to improve. Our coaches will emphasize fundamentals and enjoyment of the game. We want to provide all athletes competitive opportunities that match their experience level. While also exposing less experienced athletes to more experienced athletes to help progress their development.
Is WBC a for profit or nonprofit company?
WBC is a nonprofit corporation. Donations to WBC are tax deductible.
Can I donate money to WBC? How?
Yes. Using the Donate option in website will allow you to help our cause (available here). Receipt/documentation of donation is available upon request.
