Invaders Basketball

The Invaders participates in various league and regional tournaments in the Chicagoland area. Non-Refundable deposit required upon registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Invaders Basketball?

Invaders Basketball is a competitive youth basketball program operated through DuPage Valley Sports Collective NFP. Our focus is on player development, competitive basketball, teamwork, accountability, and creating a positive environment for young athletes to grow.

What age groups does Invaders Basketball offer?

Invaders offers teams for multiple youth grade levels. Team availability may vary by season based on player interest, roster size, and coaching availability.

When are the Invaders basketball seasons?

Invaders offers basketball opportunities throughout the year, with our Winter season serving as our primary competitive season.

Fall typically focuses on training, player development, conditioning, and preparing teams for Winter competition with limited games.

Winter generally runs from November through March and includes regular practices, league games, and tournaments.

Spring focuses on continued development, skills training, and additional competitive opportunities.

Summer includes training, camps, tournaments, and opportunities for players to continue developing and competing.

Invaders offers opportunities for players to stay active and develop year-round.

Additional camps, training sessions, tournaments, and offseason opportunities may also be offered throughout the year.

How often do teams practice?

Practice schedules vary by team and season. During the Winter season, teams will generally practice approximately twice per week.

Coaches may also schedule additional skills training, scrimmages, joint practices, or other development opportunities throughout the season.

How many games will my child play?

The number of games varies by team and season. Our Winter teams generally participate in a combination of league games and tournaments, with the goal of providing players with a substantial amount of competitive game experience throughout the season.

Where are practices and games held?

Practices are held at gym facilities throughout the western suburbs of Chicago. Game locations depend on the leagues and tournaments in which each team participates.

Specific locations and schedules are communicated to families through GameChanger.

How does my child join the Invaders?

Prospective players may be invited to attend a tryout, evaluation, skills camp, or team practice.

Our coaches evaluate basketball ability as well as effort, attitude, coachability, competitiveness, teamwork, and how a player may fit with the existing roster.

Does attending a tryout guarantee a roster spot?

No. Attending a tryout, camp, or evaluation does not guarantee placement on an Invaders roster.

Roster decisions are based on several factors, including player development, team needs, roster availability, commitment, and overall fit.

What does the program fee include?

Program fees vary depending on the team and season. Depending on the registration, fees may include practices, league participation, tournaments, games, uniforms, gym costs, and other team-related expenses.

Families will receive specific pricing and payment information before committing to a season.

Are payment plans available?

Payment options may be available depending on the season and registration period. Families with questions regarding payments should contact the Invaders before registration deadlines.

What is the Invaders One-Jersey Policy?

For our Winter season, players who commit to an Invaders roster are expected to be fully committed to the Invaders program and may not simultaneously be rostered with or play for another basketball program.

The policy allows our coaches to build consistent teams, properly plan practices and tournaments, and develop chemistry among players throughout our longest and most competitive season.

How is playing time determined?

Playing time is determined by the coaching staff and may be influenced by attendance, effort, attitude, performance, understanding of team concepts, game situations, and overall team needs.

While player development is a major focus of our program, equal playing time is not guaranteed.

What do Invaders coaches look for in players?

Talent matters, but it isn't the only thing we evaluate.

We look for players who work hard, compete, listen, communicate, support their teammates, respond positively to coaching, and want to improve.

We believe effort, attitude, accountability, and coachability are important parts of becoming a successful basketball player.

How will schedules and team communication be handled?

Invaders uses GameChanger for team schedules, practices, games, announcements, and other important communication.

Once registered, families should download the GameChanger app and enable notifications so they don't miss team updates or schedule changes.

What if my child has a conflict with a practice or game?

We understand that families have school, family, and other commitments. Parents should communicate known conflicts with their coach as early as possible.

Because basketball is a team sport, consistent attendance is important to player development, team chemistry, and preparation for games.

Are parents allowed to attend practices?

Practice policies may vary depending on the team, facility, and type of training session. Coaches will communicate any specific expectations regarding parent attendance.

Who runs Invaders Basketball?

Invaders Basketball operates through DuPage Valley Sports Collective NFP and is supported by its Board of Directors, coaches, volunteers, parents, and community partners.

Who should I contact if I have additional questions?

For general information about Invaders Basketball, registration, tryouts, or available teams, please contact:

Invaders Basketball

DuPage Valley Sports Collective NFP

Email: theinvadersbasketball@gmail.com

We'd be happy to answer your questions and help determine whether Invaders Basketball is the right fit for your player.

Winter Basketball 2027

The Invaders Winter Basketball Season is our primary competitive season and is designed to provide players with consistent practices, competitive game experience, and continued individual and team development.

The season will run approximately November through March, with teams practicing twice per week for approximately 90 minutes. Players can expect approximately 35 games throughout the season, including league play, tournaments, and other competitive opportunities.

Practices will focus on fundamental skill development, shooting, ball handling, conditioning, defensive principles, basketball IQ, offensive concepts, and team chemistry. As the season progresses, practices will increasingly incorporate game situations, team offense and defense, and preparation for upcoming opponents and tournaments.

Our goal is to create a competitive but positive environment where players are challenged to improve, learn to play the game the right way, become better teammates, and continue developing their confidence on and off the court.

**Winter Season Includes:**

* Approximately November–March

* Two practices per week

* Approximately 35 games

* Tournament competition

* Player development and skills training

* Team offensive and defensive development

* Conditioning and basketball IQ

* Opportunities for additional trainers, guest coaches, and specialized development throughout the season

Because winter is our longest and most competitive season, players are expected to be fully committed to the Invaders and follow the program's One-Jersey Policy. Players rostered with the Invaders during the winter season may not simultaneously play for another basketball program.

Our focus is bigger than wins and losses—we want every player to finish the season as a better basketball player, teammate, and competitor than when they started.