Youth Basketball

About

We are so excited to offer a youth basketball program for third through seventh graders!

A Message from Our Director

I’m Anthony Liu, and I’m excited to lead a youth basketball program at First Covenant Church for third to seventh graders. In spring 2026, we are offering clinics / foundational classes for beginners from 3rd to 5th grade. We are also offering a basketball league for intermediate / advanced level players from 4th to 7th grade (Grades are general guidelines). I’ve had the privilege of coaching youth basketball for four years, starting shortly after graduating college with the University Village Basketball League in Albany, CA. In addition to my experience on the court, I’ve completed Positive Coaching Alliance workshops, which are based on Stanford University research, to ensure that I’m offering the best coaching practices. These workshops emphasize creating positive, supportive environments that help young athletes develop a love for the game.

Outside of basketball, I’ve also coached youth soccer for my son, which has helped me bring a well-rounded, inclusive approach to coaching. The values I learned through these experiences, especially the influence of Rick Sletadahl from the University Village program, inspire me every day as I strive to create a positive experience for every player in our program.

League Values

Our program is centered around core principles that promote skill development, teamwork, and fun. These values set us apart and guide everything we do:

League Parity

We believe in creating balanced teams where every player can thrive. After two weeks of pre-season evaluation, teams are divided based on skill level and physical ability. To maintain fairness throughout the season, the director may make adjustments or trades as needed. Every player receives equal playing time to ensure everyone has a chance to grow and improve in an environment in which winning is not the most important thing.

Teamwork

Basketball is a team sport, and we emphasize ball movement and teamwork. For example, if a player makes a pass but doesn’t move to a new spot, it’s considered a turnover. The same goes for excessive dribbling, which will be an automatic turnover. While this might feel like a challenge at first, these rules are designed to help players develop better teamwork, especially for those who are newer to the game. We also don’t allow double teaming unless the player is inside the paint—another way to encourage fair play and inclusivity.
This approach has measurably helped players improve, transitioning from clumping together to moving with purpose and working as a true team.

Director's Role

As the director, I am not only the coach but also the referee. This allows me to make decisions that keep the best interests of the players and league at the forefront, maintaining consistency and fairness across the season.

Positive Reinforcement

After every game, we gather for a special “Victory Circle,” where players and coaches highlight the positive moments from the game. This time of positive reinforcement and peer recognition helps build confidence, morale, and a sense of community.

Coaches

Daniel Carvalho

I’m Daniel Carvalho, and I’m looking forward to being a volunteer coach for this basketball program. I have 10 years of teaching experience – mostly as an English teacher – working with children and adults of all ages. As a high school teacher in New York City, I advised a running club and helped lead a cycling club. Throughout my life, I have played basketball recreationally, and now, alongside my three boys, I have converted from being a lifelong Lakers fan to a Golden State Warriors fan. I am excited to share my love for this game with the future generation through this program.

Alan Kruizenga

I’m Alan Kruizenga, and I’m excited to be an FCC coach. I’m originally from Star Prairie, Wisconsin, where I grew up on a dairy farm. Life on the farm taught me the value of hard work and teamwork at an early age. Growing up, I loved playing sports with family and friends, especially basketball, softball, and ultimate frisbee. I moved to Oakland 15 years ago, and have come to appreciate California winters, though I still cheer for Wisconsin sports teams.

I believe basketball is a team sport where everyone has a role, and success comes when each person does their part. Last year, watching my players grow and operate as a team was so rewarding. I enjoy understanding what each person does best and helping them find their place on the team.

Justin Tang

My name is Justin Tang and I'm excited to be an FCC coach. I've loved playing basketball since I was about 7 years old. I modeled my game after my favorite player John Stockton. I loved passing the ball to an open teammate and getting people involved. I've coached on several occasions through the local Parks and Recreation, church, and FCC youth basketball leagues.
‍
I am excited for the upcoming season and being able to coach youth and improve their skill sets.

Jason Foster

Hi, I'm Jason and I grew up in Salt Lake City. Over the years I’ve lived in a number of different places — Austria, Chicago, Wisconsin, and Minneapolis — before settling in the East Bay in 2010. I’ve been part of FCC since 2001. I spent 13 years in urban and overseas missionary work, and in just about every season, I’ve worked with youth in some capacity.

Basketball has been a lifelong passion. I played on my high school team and intramurals at Trinity International University. I helped with basketball camps as a high school student. I still fondly remember my JV High school coach, who made a positive impact on me.

One of my favorite memories from my playing days was blocking the best player in the league during a varsity game. It was my personal “glory block.” While not being the tallest guy on the court, I’ve always prided myself on hustle and heart. I’m a big Golden State Warriors fan, and it shouldn't come as a surprise that Gary Payton II is one of my favorite players. I appreciate the way he plays -- with high energy, grit, and the willingness to do the hard work. I relate to that “scrapper” mentality (I’ve even played a little short center myself). For me, basketball is about more than wins and losses. It’s about growth, teamwork, resilience, and giving your best effort.

Spring 2026 FCC Youth Basketball

All sessions will be 90 minutes long. Official times will be announced by March 14 and are partially dependent upon enrollment.

March 14

March 21

March 28 - April 11

NO SESSIONS

Due to gym availability, Spring Break, and Easter.

April 18

April 25

May 2

May 9

May 16

All games will be held at the First Covenant Church Gym:
4000 Redwood Road, Oakland

Tracks & Pricing

Program Cost is $170.
Returning players who still have their jersey from last year receive a $20 discount.

FCC Basketball Foundations (Grades 3–5):

This class focuses on teaching basketball fundamentals and individual skills for beginning players. The latter portion of each session will include scrimmages and is designed to provide a lower-stress environment than the FCC Youth Basketball League.

FCC Youth Basketball League (Grades 4–7):

This league is intended for intermediate and advanced players and emphasizes team concepts, skill development, and game play.

What Parents are Saying

"Every level of player got to play and feel included. My son actually felt valued by his team and I think he felt like he made a difference in the games for the first time in his life! It was the most positive basketball experience he had - emotionally and physically."

“The Director and coaches set a positive tone with the post-practice group sitdowns and discussion of the teams' and players' strengths. Having a mini-season and mini-playoffs was fun. The kids always are excited to play real games - it's fun and allows them to understand the real pace of a game (as compared to practice/drills). It was great that the coaches gave all the players time on the court. The venue is very nice. The church campus is pretty, calm, lots of parking, peaceful places to sit while the kids are practicing.”

“He appreciated that he got a chance to play and the playing time wasn’t only for the best players. Also that the teams were balanced so it wasn’t so predictable who would win- that kept it fun.”

“It was a positive experience. Our son enjoyed participating in FCC Youth Basketball a lot. Also, it was a great way to keep playing basketball after other local youth leagues had ended. So, it extended the playing season.”

“I would 100 percent recommend it, especially to players who want to work on their skills in a safe environment.”

“Great program structure, and the venue was not huge so it was nice.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this league co-ed?

Yes, we welcome both boys and girls to join! Our goal is to create balanced teams by considering skill level and size to ensure an enjoyable and fair experience for all players.

What does a session entail?

Each session comprises of 90 minutes, with the first 45 minutes with coaches leading drills or team concepts, followed by a scrimmage for the foundations class or a competitive game for the league.

Do you need to follow a certain faith to join the basketball league?

No, we welcome individuals from all faiths, as well as those who may not identify with a particular faith. This basketball league is made possible through a generous gift from the FCC micro-grant. The primary goal of the league is to bring people together and bless our community through the joy of basketball.

Scholarships are available based on financial need. How can I determine if I qualify?

Please feel free to reach out to us at FCCYouthBasketball@gmail.com for more information and details. We’d be happy to assist you.

FCC YouthBasketball