Girls Basketball League to Tip Off

Applications will be available starting Tuesday for a fledgling city basketball league for teenage girls.

The Girls Play Los Angeles 2001 Program, created by the Citywide Youth Sports Committee, aims to increase gender equity among city-sponsored sports programs for girls ages 13 to 15.

“Whatever we offer the boys, we have to offer the girls,” said Gale Minnifield, senior recreation director.

Started in the fall, the program attracted 1,000 girls who played on 110 basketball teams citywide from October to December, said Minnifield. In the spring, the city will offer girls softball leagues through the program, which uses volunteer coaches.

Registration for the city-subsidized Junior Hoops Girls Basketball League is $10 per person, which includes a uniform, awards and photos. Applications are available at local recreation centers. The season runs Jan. 15 through March 31. Practice and game schedules are determined by the individual recreation centers.

For the nearest recreation center, call (818) 756-8060.