Nonprofit San Marcos Organization Expands Youth Basketball Program to Include 3rd and 4th Grade Boy Teams

In response to growing community demand and a widening developmental gap among young athletes, San Marcos Basketball is proud to announce the launch of new Thunder developmental teams for incoming 3rd- and 4th-grade boys. This initiative reflects the corporation's deepening commitment to prepare local players earlier and ensure they can compete with their peers across Southern California. Such an effort also addresses a challenge that has been building for years.

As observed, youth sports programs across the country are still feeling the ripple effects of the drastic COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed training routines, limited access to organized play, and hindered athletic development, especially for younger players who missed foundational years. In communities like San Marcos, such disruptions created lasting gaps in skills and confidence-major factors that made it harder for local athletes to keep pace with more established programs in areas such as Los Angeles and Orange County.

By introducing developmental teams at the 3rd and 4th grade levels, SMBBA is taking direct action to close that gap-investing earlier, training smarter, and providing kids with the structured support they need to grow into self-assured and competitive players.

"Our community has incredible potential. But over the last few years, we have witnessed the effects of lost time and limited access to structured training. This new initiative is about rebuilding that foundation by starting promptly to give San Marcos kids the tools they need to grow both on and off the court," said Hilda Mateiu, one of the organization's founders.

San Marcos Basketball was established in 2020 by Mateiu and her husband, Ciprian Olten, both proud residents of San Elijo Hills. With a deep passion for basketball and decades of international playing experience, they have been committed to bringing exceptional training and a love for the game to the North County community. That same mission now extends to even younger athletes.

The addition of Thunder teams at the 3rd and 4th grade levels is an important step toward rebuilding the local talent pipeline. These teams will serve as an entry point for early-stage player development, where kids will be equipped with the skills as well as the necessary discipline to compete at a higher level before they reach middle school.

This new offering also complements the current club teams and training programs designed for boys in 5th through 8th grade. With such an expansion, the organization amplifies its investment in the next generation of athletes while staying true to its primary mission: to make competitive basketball accessible to all families, regardless of their income and background.

"We have seen what happens when kids get the right training early. They build confidence, discipline, and, most especially, a true love for the game. And that carries with them even after they leave the court," Mateiu added.

Registration for tryouts is now open. Practices are conducted twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while games are scheduled on weekends. Tryouts will take place at San Elijo Middle School in San Marcos between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM on either Tuesday or Thursday, and attendance is free of charge. Teams are available for boys entering 3rd through 8th grade.

San Marcos Basketball
San Elijo Middle School, San Marcos, CA
1600 Schoolhouse Way San Marcos, CA 92078
Phone: (760) 696-7959
email: info@smbball.org
website: https://www.smbball.org/

San Marcos Basketball is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization based in San Marcos, California. Led by a group of dedicated volunteers, the organization focuses on empowering youth through accessible and high-quality athletic programs, emphasizing integrity, inclusion, and long-term growth. In addition, its competitive Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) travel teams reflect a unique blend of international and American coaching philosophies, which offer players a well-rounded foundation both on and off the court. To learn more about the corporation, visit https://www.smbball.org/

This release was published on openPR.