The Allentown Department of Parks & Recreation and East Side Youth Center will be launching a brand-new basketball program for boys called King of the Court. 

The King of the Court program is modeled after the successful 11-year running Queen of the Court free basketball fundamentals program. This program is being offered for boys in fifth through eighth grades that live and attend school in Allentown.

In collaboration with ESYC and MadBballTV creator Julian Thomas, the department will be introducing the sport to beginners, refine fundamentals of more skilled players, and teaching teamwork, confidence, conflict resolution and time management.

“Our city high schools enjoyed a very successful winter season,” said Mayor Ray O’Connell.  “The more our youth learn about the game now, the more accomplished they will be when they get to high school.”

The King of the Court program is excited to include the expertise of area high school boys’ hoops coaches as part of the program.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the inaugural eight-week program will be virtual with pre-recorded workouts posted on social media outlets.

“This program will be a great addition to our current program offerings,” said Allentown Parks & Recreation Director Karen El-Chaar.  “The Allentown basketball community is a close-knit group that is always looking for new ways to connect with our youth. The King of the Court Program will be a fantastic way to get more youth involved in the sport.”

The virtual program will feature pre-recorded videos posted on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons that can be accessed on the Allentown PA Parks and Recreation Facebook page.

Boys are encouraged to access the videos with supervision of a parent/guardian after their schooling is done. The workouts can be done in the home, backyard, or a local park.

The program will run from April 6 through May 27.

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