Clayton County Parks and Recreation announced on April 28 that registration will soon open for the Co-Ed Basketball Summer Development League, which is designed for youth ages 12 to 17. The program aims to offer a chance for teens to stay active and develop their basketball skills during the summer months.
The initiative comes as Clayton County schools have seen changes in student enrollment. Enrollment dropped by 2.5% in the 2022-23 school year compared to the previous year, according to the Georgia Department of Education. During that same period, Clayton County schools enrolled a total of 61,644 students according to state data.
The county’s student population is diverse. Black students made up the largest group at 68%, followed by Hispanic students at 24%. Multiracial students accounted for 3%, while white students represented just 2% of the county’s student body during the last school year, as reported by the Georgia Department of Education.
Registration for the basketball league opens Monday, May 4. Late registration begins June 1 with an additional $10 fee and closes on June 6. The cost per participant is $25. Games and activities will take place at four recreation centers: Carl Rhodenizer Recreation Center in Rex, Jim Huie Recreation Center in Jonesboro, South Clayton Recreation Center in Hampton, and Virginia Burton Gray Recreation Center in Riverdale.
Local officials say programs like this can help keep young people engaged over summer break while also encouraging physical activity and social connections among participants.