First String

First String Youth development and family-led organization in the North End of Champaign-Urbana.

(4-6 yrs) T-Ball League
(7-8 yrs) Peanut League
(9-10 yrs) Farm League
(11-14 yrs) Suited League

Become a certified basketball referee with First String! 🏀Our Referee Clinic gives community members ages 16+ the chance...
09/15/2026

Become a certified basketball referee with First String! 🏀

Our Referee Clinic gives community members ages 16+ the chance to learn the rules of the game, court positioning, and how to make calls with confidence and authority, and starts TONIGHT AT 6:30 PM.

Led by Sheldon Turner and the Blow the Whistle Officiating team, this two-week clinic will be held at the Martens Center. Sessions meet Sept 15-17 and Sept 22-24, Tuesday–Thursday from 6:30- 8 PM, with the certification test held on the final day. Attendance for all clinic days is strongly recommended.

Whether you plan to officiate during First String’s January season or IHSA games, this is your opportunity to get trained and ready.
First String will cover your testing fee. Men and women are encouraged to join us! Call league commissioner Peter McFarland with any questions.

09/10/2026

FIRST WEEK OF 3X3 ‼️🏀🔥

Get your popcorn and gifts for the holidays!
09/07/2026

Get your popcorn and gifts for the holidays!

🏀 We have less than 10 spots left- Register youth grades 3-8 for the 3x3 Basketball Series at Martens Center today! Sign...
09/03/2026

🏀 We have less than 10 spots left- Register youth grades 3-8 for the 3x3 Basketball Series at Martens Center today! Sign up online for the Skills challenge, 3-pt shootout, or free throw contest- Meals provided‼️

Starting Thursday, Sept 10 and continues Thursday, Sept 17 and Thursday, Sept 24th, from 6-8 PM.

Click here: https://forms.gle/VmhyMLtMqHHbCciL8

School is back in session for a lot of our kids, and we know that doesn’t mean the need for support suddenly stops. ❤️To...
08/28/2026

School is back in session for a lot of our kids, and we know that doesn’t mean the need for support suddenly stops. ❤️

Tomorrow, the Champaign County Christian Health Center is hosting Healthy Start Community Day — a free day for families to take care of a few things, connect with resources, and have some fun together.

Kids can get a free school or sports physical, families can connect with local resources, and we’ll also have:
🎒 Backpacks & school supplies
❤️ Health screenings
❤️ Meet some of our mental wellness support staff & volunteers
🎮 Games & activities
🍴 Food trucks
🚒 Touch-A-Truck with a fire truck
🍧 FREE Kona Ice for the first 100 attendees!

You don’t need an appointment to come enjoy the event. Just come!

📅 Saturday, August 29
⏰ 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
📍 1401 S. State St., Champaign
❤️ FREE for all families
🌧️ Rain Date: August 30

If your child needs a school or sports physical and you’d like to schedule a FREE appointment ahead of time, give them a call at (217) 398-2914.

Otherwise, bring the family and spend part of the day ❤️

And please share this with another family in the community!

Only a few spots left for September 10, 17 & 24❗️❗️Make sure to register your 3rd- 8th-grade ballers for the 3x3 Basketb...
08/28/2026

Only a few spots left for September 10, 17 & 24❗️❗️Make sure to register your 3rd- 8th-grade ballers for the 3x3 Basketball Series coached by Hope Elam-Huett at Martens Center ⬇⬇

🏀 Click here: https://forms.gle/1XbNT4Jfa9yCRFC3A

Good morning! On 93.5 FM with Stevie Jay and Diane Ducey ❣️ ESPN
08/24/2026

Good morning! On 93.5 FM with Stevie Jay and Diane Ducey ❣️ ESPN

Become a certified basketball referee with First String! 🏀Our Referee Clinic gives community members ages 16+ the chance...
08/19/2026

Become a certified basketball referee with First String! 🏀

Our Referee Clinic gives community members ages 16+ the chance to learn the rules of the game, court positioning, and how to make calls with confidence and authority Sept. 15- 17 and 22-24.

Led by Sheldon Turner and the Blow the Whistle Officiating team, this two-week clinic will be held at the Martens Center. Sessions meet Tuesday–Thursday from 6:30- 8 PM, with the certification test held on the final day. Attendance for all clinic days is strongly recommended.

Whether you plan to officiate during First String’s January season or IHSA games, this is your opportunity to get trained and ready.

First String will cover your testing fee. Men and women are encouraged to join us! Call league commissioner Peter McFarland with any questions.

08/19/2026

🎉 Happy Birthday Coach Jean Demosthenes! 🐍

Thank you for the leadership, passion, and dedication you bring to Parkland Women’s Basketball. We’re so grateful for all you do for our program and our student-athletes. Wishing you a wonderful birthday!

Address

606 E Grove St
Urbana, IL
61820

Telephone

+12174174331

Website

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