MARIGOT--Nearly 40 young basketball players participated in CTBIN's first U7–U9 preseason gathering on Saturday, November 7, 2026, marking the beginning of a series of youth basketball activities aimed at developing young talent and strengthening sporting ties between St. Maarten, Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy.
The event brought together boys and girls for a day of basketball, teamwork and interaction, providing young players with an opportunity to develop their skills, gain experience and enjoy the sport alongside their peers.
CTBIN expressed appreciation to the participating basketball clubs, coaches, volunteers and families whose involvement contributed to the event.
Pelican's Basket from Saint Barthélemy was scheduled to participate but was unable to travel because of a yellow weather alert issued for the Northern Islands.
Following the opening event, CTBIN has scheduled additional preseason gatherings for older age groups throughout November and early December.
The U11 gathering will take place on Saturday, November 14, beginning at 1 p.m. at the Jean-Louis Vanterpool Stadium in Saint Martin. The U13 event is scheduled for Saturday, November 21, also beginning at 1 p.m., at the Jean-Louis Vanterpool Sports Hall.
The U15 gathering is scheduled for November 28, followed by the U18 event on December 5. Venues and starting times for these two events will be announced later.
CTBIN is encouraging families interested in introducing their children to basketball or supporting their continued development in the sport to contact participating clubs throughout the Northern Islands.
On St. Maarten, families can contact AYM Eagles (All Youth Matter) through Jamal Newton at +1 (721) 523-5849 oraym.basketball.allstars@gmail.com. St. Peters Ballers can be reached through Daniel Helligar at +1 (721) 554-9061 ordhelligar12@gmail.com.
In Saint Martin, participating clubs include Let's Do It (letsdoit1811@gmail.com), Boys in the Yard (boysndyard@gmail.com), RCM Ballers (rcmballerz97150@gmail.com) and AS Phoenicks (phoenicks.fq@gmail.com).
Families in Saint Barthélemy can contact Pelican's Basket atpelicansbasketsbh@gmail.com.
Through these preseason gatherings, CTBIN aims to encourage greater youth participation in basketball while promoting cooperation among clubs and sporting organizations across the three territories.
The initiative also provides opportunities for young athletes to interact with players from neighboring communities and build connections through organized sporting activities.
