Nether Swarthmore Instructional Hoops

Skill development combined with introductory games for boys in grades 1/2 and girls in grades 1/2

New this year, Nether Swarthmore Hoops’ Basketball Committee has designed this program for 1st and 2nd graders in order to bridge a gap between Developmental Hoops and the Recreational League, NS Hoops.

This 6-week program will meet twice per week. Fridays will be practice sessions led by Program Director Sawyer Woodworth with help from volunteer parent coaches and will build on the basic skills taught in Developmental Hoops. Teams will play 4v4 games on Sundays, led by coaches who will provide frequent whistle-teaching moments, rather than official referees. No scores and no standings will be recorded in order to keep the focus on learning basic game play and rules of the game.

WHO: Girls in grades 1/2 and boys in grades 1/2

WHERE: Swarthmore-Rutledge School Gym

WHEN: Practices on Fridays from 6-7 PM or 7-8 PM on December 4, 11, & 18, 2026 and January 8, 22, & 29, 2027 

Games held on Sunday afternoons in December and January for 6 weeks. No practices or games during WSSD Winter Break. Games will be played on January 16/17, 2027 (MLK Jr. Day Weekend)

PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Sawyer Woodworth for practices, assisted by volunteer parent coaches. Coaches will run games.

REGISTRATION: Opens Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 9AM and closes Sunday, October 25th. Space is limited.

REGISTRATION FEE: $200.  Fees have increased for 2026-27 due to the increased rental costs SRA pays for use of local facilities (fields, gyms, and classrooms).

LATE REGISTRATION: $220. Begins Monday, October 26, 2026, space permitting.

Coaches

The foundation of Nether Swarthmore Hoops is made up of our volunteer coaches, most of whom are parents of players. This year, registration is discounted for the coach’s player. Please sign up to help – we strive to have 2 coaches per team to lighten the load. If you have questions, please reach out to eric@swarthmorerecreation.org.

COACH REGISTRATION: $175. The discount code for coaches 26cd25.

Enter the code in the “Discount Code” field, which is in the “Additional Player Info” section of page 1 of the registration form. The discount will be applied on the Checkout screen (page 3). If you use the discount code at registration, you are committed to coaching a NS Hoops team this year, which includes obtaining and submitting the necessary background clearance documents. If you decide not to coach, we will make a full refund and your player will need to be re-registered.

CLEARANCES: Under Pennsylvania law, all volunteer coaches must complete specific background checks. You may not coach a practice or game until SRA has all your completed clearances on file.  For coaches who have lived in Pennsylvania for at least ten years, this is a fairly simple task that can be completed online.  For coaches who have not lived in Pennsylvania for ten years, the process involves getting fingerprinted. We will provide detailed instructions for all background checks. Clearances are generally valid for five years.  If you have already submitted clearances for past seasons, we will be in touch if they have expired. Questions about clearance requirements should be directed to nika@swarthmorerecreation.org. 

SCHOLARSHIPS/FINANCIAL AID: If your family needs some financial assistance in order to make it possible for your child to play, please fill out our scholarship request form.

 Please be sure to review our refund policy before signing up.

Updated 2026.10.02