Develop Skills. Build Confidence. Prepare for What’s Next.
A supportive 5-on-5 basketball development and exposure league for Chicago Southland youth in grades 5th-9th. Built to give every player a path to real skill development, structured gameplay, and mentorship that supports growth on and off the court.
About the Development League
More Than Basketball. Youth Development with Purpose.
YEDA’s 5-on-5 Basketball Development and Exposure League is rooted in our Everybody Plays™ philosophy, ensuring youth have access to continued development, structure, and mentorship as they grow as players and individuals.
Each week blends focused basketball training with live 5-on-5 scrimmages, giving athletes the opportunity to apply new skills in real game situations. Beyond the court, the program emphasizes confidence, accountability, teamwork, and personal growth that supports success on and off the court.
Who This Is For
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Players who may not have made a competitive travel team this season
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Youth who did not make the YEDA Travel Team but want to continue developing
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Athletes seeking mentorship, structure, and consistent game play
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Families who value whole child development, both on the court and in life
What’s Included:
Weekly basketball development plus structured scrimmages
Focus on fundamentals, decision making, and game awareness
Two mental health and wellness workshops led by Kris Lacy, focused on leadership, conflict resolution, and goal setting
Mentorship centered on confidence, discipline, and teamwork
Optional 4-day, 3-night university basketball camp experience offering college exposure and skill-building alongside our Travel Team
Official YEDA jersey and participant recognition
Fundraising opportunity to help offset costs
Where Development Comes to Life
Take a look at YEDA athletes in action as they train, compete, and grow together in a supportive basketball environment focused on effort, improvement, and confidence.
2026 Season Details
Review season details below then complete the registration form and payment to secure your child's spot. No advanced or elite-level players.
5-6th Grade
May 27 - July 8
Wednesdays 6-9pm
Richton Park Community Center
4445 Sauk Trail, Richton Park, IL 60471
7-9th Grade
May 28-July 9
Thursdays 6-9pm
Richton Park Community Center
4445 Sauk Trail, Richton Park, IL 60471
Optional University Basketball Camp Experience - Add On Price
During the week of June 10-14, league participants may take part in an optional out of town basketball camp experience in Carbondale, Illinois for an additional fee which covers the experience and lodging.
This experience is designed to expose youth to higher level training while building independence, teamwork, and leadership.
Camp experience includes:
• Visit to a college campus
• Overnight stay in university dormitories
• Multiple basketball development sessions alongside our Travel Team
• Organized scrimmages
• Group activities and outdoor experiences
• Lodging included with registration
Families are encouraged to participate in YEDA’s fundraising opportunities to help offset program costs.
Additional chaperones are needed for this experience, background check required.
Program Cost
Option 1 - $139
Includes 5 weeks of training, YEDA jersey, 2 mental health workshops, and recognition.
Option 2 - $275
Includes 6 weeks of training, YEDA jersey, 2 mental health workshops, recognition, and a 4-day, 3-night university basketball camp experience including lodging (approx. $75 travel fees and meals not included)
Fundraising Opportunity
THIS PROGRAM COULD BE FREE IF YOU RAISE ENOUGH FUNDS!
YEDA offers a unique fundraising opportunity for parents to help offset program fees with no cap on how much you can raise!
Parents receive 70% of funds raised in the form of a check at the end of the season to reimburse program fees. The remaining 30% supports YEDA operating costs, helping keep program fees affordable for all.
Sign Up for the Developmental League Today!
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An Opportunity for Every Player
EVERYBODY PLAYS™
Everybody Plays™ is a concept that provides youth who may not have made a competitive travel team with another path to stay engaged in basketball and sports fitness across the Chicago Southland.
At YEDA, we believe that missing a team should not mean missing opportunities. This program exists to keep youth active, learning, and developing in a structured environment while continuing to build their skills, confidence, and discipline.
Basketball is the entry point, but youth development is the purpose. YEDA uses sports to support families and help student athletes build confidence, life skills, and the mindset needed to be mentally and academically prepared for college, a trade school, or to graduate from high school with a clear plan for their future.
Structured Play for Maximum Growth
Game Basics
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Games begin with a number draw to determine initial possession.
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A minimum of two players is required to start.
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Players must wear their jerseys to participate.
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Each game starts promptly at the scheduled time.
Fouls and Penalties
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After five team fouls, shooting fouls result in one free throw worth 1 point.
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Intentional, flagrant, or technical fouls result in a 2-point free throw
Timeout & Overtime Rules
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One timeout per team per game (not in the last three minutes).
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Overtime is determined by the first team to score
Gameplay Mechanics
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No "Make it-Take it" rule; possession changes hands.
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Possession changes must go behind the 3-point line with both feet and the ball.
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Shots are scored as 2 points or 3 points depending on distance.
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Games end when a team reaches 20 points or at the 20-minute limit.
Sportsmanship & Conduct
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Fighting, swearing, or unsportsmanlike behavior by players or spectators is not tolerated.
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Positive behavior is required to foster a fun and safe environment
Leadership Through Mentorship
The YEDA Developmental League isn’t just for players—it’s also an opportunity for our older YEDA youth to step into leadership roles as referees.
This initiative teaches:
Leadership Skills
Referees gain confidence and learn how to mentor younger players
Teamwork & Conflict Resolution
By managing games, referees develop crucial interpersonal skills.
Community Impact
Referees receive either community service hours or payment for their time, helping them grow personally and professionally.
Join the YEDA Developmental League Today!
Whether your child is building foundational skills or preparing for their next season, the YEDA Development and Exposure League offers a structured, encouraging environment to grow as an athlete and individual. Register today and give your child the opportunity to develop skills, confidence, and leadership that last beyond the court.