Ironically, in the City of Annapolis, this is the only city-wide summer basketball league for youth under the age of eighteen. Hence, the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis (HACA),the Annapolis Youth Sports. (AYS) and the Annapolis Recreation and Parks Department (ARPD) have collaborated to develop and implement this annual event.

Historically, on April 28th, 2008 representatives from each of the aforementioned organizations - Leron M. Fisher, Community Services Manager(HACA),Dick Callahan, Commissioner,HACA, Eugene Slocum, President,AYS and Archie J. Trader III, Recreation Program Manager,ARPD met at the Robin Wood Community Recreation Center to discuss plans for the development and implementation of the league.

Unanimously, the members of this meeting agreed that the need for such a league was paramount. Hence, the consensus was to develop a comprehensive - holistic program approach which would benefit the participants individually, collectively and educationally.

Thus, the 17 – UNDER SUMMER BASKETBALL LEAGUE “GET REAL WITH YOUR SELF” perpetuates friendly competition, sportsmanship, personal development and growth, community satisfaction, social support, value identification and community integration. Another important aspect of this program is risk management, ergo; security and safety.

This league necessitates a practical / grass-roots approach in establishing a platform by which participating youth of the City of Annapolis and surrounding areas can experience a positive and enjoyable community based activity during the summer. Additionally, by way of formal workshops, players will acquire relative knowledge and information in such areas as conflict resolution, drug prevention, career/job readiness, creating goals, etc. Notwithstanding, other members of the communities will also benefit from the league.

Volunteerism is as important to the league as paid staff. There are many opportunities for members of the community to volunteer in such capacities as Score keepers, time keepers, concession stand operators, league monitors, workshop facilitators and general operations staff. Also, the league provides summer employment positions for basketball officials.