Ask any Manassas Park, Department of Parks and Recreation staff member what is the most popular program offered and without hesitation, they will respond, “The youth basketball league.”
The Manassas Park Youth Basketball League (MPYBL) is going into its 20th year, and lots of credit is owed to the community spirit the residents and employees of Manassas Park exude.
“Whenever we come there’s always a sense of family,” writes 2016-2017 MPYBL Coach Steve Gaskins, “There’s something here for everyone. It’s like a second home. The staff is always friendly and knowledgeable, and the building is organized and clean.”
Gaskins is not exaggerating. Generations of families have grown up with Manassas Park Parks and Recreation including children who enrolled in Manassas Park Community Center (MPCC) preschool before the current building was built and are now graduating from high school. Children who participated in Extended Care and MP3, afterschool programs for school-age children and teenagers respectively, are now working part time jobs at the Community Center.
Many players return year after year to participate in the league. High school freshman Jonathan Ojo enjoys the basketball league for its great level of competition.
“I’ve played in this league for four years and skill-wise I think my game has improved,” he shares in a written statement. Ojo’s sentiments echo one of the goals for the league, which is player and skill improvement. In addition, an emphasis is placed on teamwork, sportsmanship, and comradery.
League Director and Recreation Specialist for Athletics Michael Arrington designed the league with this in mind. According to the player guidebook, all players, regardless of skill level, must play for “an equal or fair amount of playing time” in each game. Qualified basketball coaches assess skill level on special nights dedicated just for assessments. Players are divided between the teams to ensure balance with skill level and to encourage newer players to develop their skills and seasoned players to grow their teamwork and sportsmanship.
“This is a great team-oriented program that shows kids how to play together. All kids learn at all levels due to the coaching selections. Each and every kid enjoys every bit of playing at every level,” shares Denard Robinson, parent of a child in the 8-9 division.
During games, one can see even the referees advising the younger players as to the rules of basketball as well as providing encouragement and support.
There is a level of patience and understanding the entire league community fosters which help players grow.
Robinson states, “All coaches and program personnel do a great job at keeping the location family oriented.” Since it’s so important for parents and family members to be involved, Arrington created a Code of Conduct as a guide to help make their involvement more impactful. It also clearly outlines expectations in the event poor sportsmanship becomes a factor.
“Parents tell us how much they appreciate those expectations outlined at the start of the season,” Arrington points out, “Considering how many hundreds of family members and friends come to cheer on the players, it’s so rare that we ever have to refer to them. Still, it gives parents confidence in the league.”
A great deal of planning goes into the league, which begins every November with the skills assessments and ends in March with an All-Star game. In fact, Arrington admits that he really never stops working on the league. “All year long I’m actively working on the league in some capacity. Whether I’m actually running the league, planning the league, advertising the league, or starting up the league, it’s basically always on my mind,” he explains.
With a league that’s so important to the community, he knows how important it is to give it so much attention.
“I even have programs in the offseason that are offshoots of MPYBL including the Summer League as well as Lil’ Dunkers and Basketball Skills and Drills which are recreational classes to improve basketball skills,” Arrington said.
This year’s season of the Manassas Park Youth Basketball League will be concluding soon, but the MPYBL Summer Basketball League, which begins in June, will be open for registration starting on April 15. If your child is between the ages of 6 and 12 and is looking for a supportive atmosphere and a sport to engage in over the summer, it’s worth exploring. You and your family might just get hooked and be a part of the fever that is MPCC’s signature basketball league in November.
The Manassas Park Community Center is located at Manassas Park Community Center in Manassas Park, Va. Managed by the City of Manassas Park Department of Parks and Recreation, the facility is home to basketball courts, a swimming pool, and wellness areas as well as a variety of special events and programs. For more information visit us at ManassasParkCommunityCenter.com or call at 703-335-8872.
Recent Stories
Join Uriah Kiser, founder and publisher of Potomac Local News, as he sits down with Dayna-Marie Miles, the newest member of the Manassas City School Board.
In this engaging episode, Dayna-Marie shares her journey to the school board, her priorities for education in Manassas City, and her vision for fostering open communication between the board and the community.
Prince William County’s plans for an indoor sports complex in Woodbridge face a significant shift following this week’s decision by the Board of County Supervisors to allocate $250,000 for a consultant to determine the best use for the site. The 21.85-acre property near I-95 and the state’s most enormous commuter lot, the Horner Road lot, had been the centerpiece of a proposal to build a large indoor recreation facility to attract travel teams and host major events like graduations.
The property, once proposed as the location for a large indoor sports and recreation facility, is now part of a broader development plan. County officials aim to aggregate the land with four adjacent parcels, totaling nearly 50 acres of county- and state-owned land, including existing commuter parking lots. The mission is to transform the area into a community hub that harmonizes living, working, and leisure spaces while generating jobs and tax revenue.
Known colloquially as Prince William Landing, the area was previously considered as a potential site for a new Washington Commanders football stadium alongside another location near Potomac Mills mall. Both sites were discussed as part of efforts to keep the team in Northern Virginia after its lease on FedEx Field expires in 2027. However, those plans did not materialize.
According to county documents, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, along with the Finance Department and Office of Procurement Services, is leading the effort to attract a strategic real estate partner. The process will follow the Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act of 2002 (PPEA) to identify a development partner capable of delivering a project that strengthens the county’s sense of place and meets diverse community needs.
Three amendments are one step closer to being enshrined in the Virginia Constitution after passing the Senate on Tuesday. These amendments address abortion rights, marriage equality, and the restoration of voting rights for formerly incarcerated felons.
The resolutions on abortion and voting rights passed along party lines, while the marriage equality resolution received bipartisan support with a 24-15 vote. Democrats currently hold a 21-19 majority in the Senate for the four-year terms through December 2027.
Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin cannot veto constitutional amendments. The process requires these amendments to be approved twice over two years, with a legislative election in between. If approved again, the proposed amendments will appear on the 2026 ballot for voters’ consideration.
Germanna Community College (GCC) hosted a ribbon cutting at its new Stafford expansion today, January 23, 2025. The event marked the opening of two buildings in Stafford: the Barbara J. Fried Building at 10 Center Street and the Kevin L. Dillard Health Sciences Building at 25 Center Street.
GCC was established in 1970 as part of Virginia’s Community College System and has locations in Culpeper, Locust Grove, Fredericksburg, and Stafford. The school’s website says over 13,000 students are enrolled.
The new expansion added 74,000 square feet to the campus with a $20 million investment. GCC plans to double enrollment in allied health services, like nursing. They will also expand their cybersecurity, IT, general education, and dual enrollment programs.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
