How South Mountain YMCA is Making Basketball Inclusive for All Kids

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — South Mountain YMCA is launching a new program to help children with diverse abilities learn basketball in ways that work best for them. 

Buddy Ball is a fun and supportive basketball class designed for neurodiverse children. It offers a safe and welcoming space where kids can enjoy the game at their own pace. Through engaging activities, adapted drills, and small-group instruction, kids build basic basketball skills like dribbling, passing, shooting, and movement. Along the way, they also develop confidence, coordination, and social connections.

How the Program Works

Each player is paired one-on-one with a volunteer “buddy” who supports them during class. Together, they practice skills and celebrate effort, friendship, and encouragement.

The program is led by the Y’s veteran basketball coach, “Coach Fred,” who brings energy and joy to every session. The program came about through a partnership between SOMA Basketball and the Y. Buddy Ball was piloted over the summer and quickly filled up. It’s now offered as a year-round program from September through June. YMCA members and community members are welcome to join. The program is held at the Y gymnasium at 13 Jefferson Ave. in Maplewood. Registration is available online or by calling 973-758-9039.

Class Schedule:
Ages 5–12: Thursdays, 5:30–6:15 p.m.
Ages 13–18: Thursdays, 6:30–7:15 p.m.

Community Impact

“The special part about this program is that it is right in the community. Many of the kids attend school out of the school district so being able to attend an activity in the community provides that connection to where they live,” said Nicole Josey, Program Coordinator. 

For Josey, the program is also personal - her son, who has autism, is a participant. She says Buddy Ball has made a big difference in Aiden’s confidence.

“My son now walks around with a basketball, and he's excited about Thursdays because he knows he has class. He just had his first birthday party ever this year and most of the kids who attended his party also attend Buddy Ball. This program has given him an outlet and has helped him make friends,” she said.

Katie Rumley said Buddy Ball has given her 14-year-old son Sean a place where he can grow, challenge himself, and connect with friends. 

“It’s also been a wonderful environment for parents to be able to connect, watch our kids have fun together, and not have to stress because our kids are well supported,” said Rumley.

Volunteer Opportunities

SOMA Basketball now leads buddy recruitment and onboarding. Volunteers model basketball skills, provide clear instructions, demonstrate activities, and ensure all participants feel comfortable and included.

Volunteer and SOMA Basketball Boosters member Yoav Hagler said: “It has been a privilege to be part of a program at its inception that creates such a joyful and inclusive space for kids. Watching the connections grow between players and their buddies through basketball has been an awesome experience. I’m grateful to help support something that makes our community stronger.” 

Volunteers ages 13 and older are needed to support participants. For more information or to volunteer, contact Josey at njosey@metroymcas.org.

Other Inclusive Programs at South Mountain YMCA

South Mountain YMCA offers a variety of sports programs for youth, including basketball classes for all ages, the Ducks Basketball League, Travel Basketball, and Her Time to Play, a program for girls in partnership with the WNBA and Jr. NBA.

The Y is also expanding its inclusive offerings. New programs like Inclusive Baking and Inclusive Art Classes will launch in November. Earlier this year, the Y hosted an Inclusive Egg Hunt.

Additionally, Josey is coordinating a new free program for middle and high school students called Future Makers. This entrepreneurial initiative gives youth hands-on experience and mentorship to help them turn ideas into real businesses.

For more information about Buddy Ball or other Y programs, visit metroymcas.org or call 973-758-9039.