When athletes outgrow their sneakers they go out and buy a new pair, but what happens when a program outgrows its facility?
For Hoop Gains, it meant a move out of Cedardale and a partnership with Rockingham Athletic Club (RAC) in Paistow, N.H.
Owners Anthony Taylor and Kevin Barboza partnered with Haverhill resident Steve Drelick to build the new state-of-the art facility on Route 125.
Hoop Gains, which provides basketball development for all talent levels, takes great pride in its players' continuing development.
"We outgrew (Cedardale) with all the kids enrolled," said Director of Public Relations Maureen Dunn. "With the tournaments we run and all the different camps, we needed our own facility."
Hoop Gains helps kids and adults of all ages develop passing, shooting, dribbling, rebounding and defense skills by giving players the focused and intense training essential for all-around improvement.
"It carries over into everything they do," Dunn said. "It's all about life and positive reinforcements."
The facility houses four full-size regulation hardwood courts, four sand volleyball courts, a football field, a fitness center and restaurant that overlooks the courts.
"The courts at Cedardale are not regulation," Dunn said. "We needed more room and air conditioning. There's no air conditioning at Cedardale either."
Though basketball is the main focus of Hoop Gains, it also offers prom lockdowns, sleepovers and other activities for children.
"It's a great atmosphere." Dunn said. "It's fun for the kids with all the sports and activities, and for the parents who can watch the games from the restaurant." The restaurant is at the center of the building on the second floor with a railing that allows spectators a view of all the courts.
The development program at Hoop Gains stands out because it doesn't just cater to elite players.
"We have great players, not so great players and recreational players," Dunn said. "We always offer them all an opportunity to play.
"We have all different levels and all different programs centered around basketball. They learn a lot in a fun, positive environment and the programs cover everything, making it work for everybody."
Hoop Gains not only offers group training and camps but also private one-hour lessons for those who want more personal training.
The lessons provide position-specific fundamentals, speed and agility training, and written player evaluation and progress analysis.
Hoop Gains is working on a joint membership fee for kids and adults who might also want to become members of Rockingham Athletic Club, but you don't have to be a member of the club to attend Hoop Gains.
"We're separate from the fitness center so we don't bother them," Dunn said. "It's awesome; there are two entrances so we stay out of each other's way."
For more information about the programs available, pricing and membership visit www.hoopgains.com or www.racathletics.com.
