INDIANAPOLIS---The NCAA has launched a new basketball-themed Web site called NCAA Kids that gives youth an opportunity to play exciting games, while also learning the fundamentals of basketball and lessons that will help them with their school work. NCAA Kids is located on the NCAA's championship Web site at www.ncaasports.com.
NCAA Kids targets youth age 6-13, but also will be a resource for teachers, coaches and parents. The site will help youth learn the basics of basketball and will be a place where they can play fun games online and learn basketball drills and games they can play at home or in a gymnasium. In addition, youth will have access to information about their favorite college team or the teams in their area and they can join the J.J. Jumper Kids' Club on the Web site. J.J. Jumper is the NCAA sports mascot.
Teachers will have access to lesson plans to enhance their classroom curriculums in six subject areas: art, language, physical education, social studies, math and science. The curriculum was written by educators for students in kindergarten through eighth grade, and will focus on ways teachers can incorporate the sport of basketball into their daily planning agendas to make learning fun for students.
Coaches will have access to various instructional tools, such as how to introduce and teach the game of basketball to elementary and middle school students, how to enhance sport skills and ways to emphasize good sportsmanship on teams. Parents will learn about NCAA clinics and programs, including Take a Kid to a Game (TAKG) and Stay in Bounds. TAKG encourages adults to take youth to NCAA sporting events so they can experience a fun activity together, while the youth get early exposure to higher education and experience the benefits of attending a college or university. Stay In Bounds is a character-development initiative administered by the NCAA Hall of Champions. Parents can help their children build character, become more responsible and focus on healthy competition through the initiatives stressed through Stay in Bounds.
NCAA Kids will also be a portal to many of the NCAA college and university youth Web sites. Additionally, NCAA Kids will offer videotape instruction on various basketball techniques demonstrated at NCAA men's and women's basketball games. J.J. Jumper will offer positive messages to youth at the Web site, while new elements will be added throughout the basketball season to keep youth motivated about sports and school work.
"Our research indicates the key to developing lifelong basketball fans is through participation and the new NCAA Kids section offers children numerous opportunities to do just that," said Dennis Cryder, NCAA senior vice-president for branding and communications. "NCAA Kids also encourages adults to get involved and provides parents and coaches with valuable resources to make learning and the game of basketball fun."
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