The Philomath Youth Activities Club has opened registration for its 2026-27 youth basketball season for players in first through sixth grades.
Families who sign up by Nov. 13 are guaranteed a spot on a team. Registrations received after the deadline will carry a $5 late fee and won’t be guaranteed placement.
The cost is $100 for first and second grades, $120 for third and fourth grades and $150 for fifth and sixth grades. Financial assistance is available based on need, and families can contact the PYAC office for details. Those who want to help other kids play can add a tax-deductible scholarship donation to their payment and note it on the form.
Registration forms are available at the PYAC office, 421 S. 19th St., and online at pyac.net. Forms may also be mailed to PYAC, P.O. Box 1358, Philomath, OR 97370.
First- and second-graders play on coed teams with one weeknight practice and Saturday games in Philomath and nearby communities. Third- and fourth-graders play on separate boys and girls teams, practicing twice a week with Saturday games. Both age groups use a 27-inch ball, and their seasons won’t start until January. Coaches will contact families with practice schedules in late December.
Fifth- and sixth-graders also play on separate boys and girls teams, using a 28.5-inch ball. They compete in the Valley League against teams from Corvallis, Albany and surrounding areas. Practices begin after Thanksgiving, with games played mostly on weeknights — and occasionally Saturday mornings — from early January through early March.
Because fifth- and sixth-grade teams may be divided by skill level, PYAC will hold team placement clinics Nov. 21 at Philomath High School. Girls will be evaluated from 10:45 a.m. to noon and boys from 12:15 to 1:45 p.m. First- through fourth-graders do not need to attend. PYAC notes that parent requests for specific team placements can’t always be honored in order to keep teams balanced.
Seventh- and eighth-grade teams will again be run through Philomath Middle School.
Players are required to provide their own non-marking shoes and gym shorts. Uniforms are T-shirts that players keep.
Boys and girls in third through eighth grades are also encouraged to attend the Future Stars Basketball Camp on Nov. 11.
PYAC is also looking for volunteer coaches and team sponsors. Those interested can check the box on the registration form or contact PYAC Executive Director Eddie Van Vlack at 541-929-4040 or pyac@pyac.net.