BUILDING CHAMPIONS
ON AND OFF THE COURT.
WHO WE ARE
The Kings Youth Basketball Program is committed to helping young athletes grow on and off the court. Participation in sports is a powerful way to teach life skills—confidence, discipline, teamwork, and leadership.
Our Misson
We develop young athletes on and off the court by teaching fundamentals, building confidence, and promoting teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.
Core Beliefs
- Character comes first — integrity, respect, responsibility.
- Every child matters — opportunity and inclusion for all.
- Effort over outcome — attitude and perseverance matter.
- Safe & supportive — physical and emotional safety are priorities.
- Character comes first — integrity, respect, responsibility.
What Players Gain
- Improved fitness, coordination, and endurance
- Confidence, discipline, resilience
- Teamwork, leadership, sportsmanship
- Community, mentorship, positive experiences
- Improved fitness, coordination, and endurance
OUR STORY
The Story of the Kings: A friendship formed at King Elementary in Des Moines sparked a love for basketball that spread across the playground. In 1998, Bates Carr and Ronald Mells formed the Kings to compete in the Boys & Girls Club league—creating the foundation for a program that still thrives today.
Today, the Kings serve boys in grades 4–7 from Des Moines and across Polk County, welcoming athletes from diverse backgrounds and cultures in a structured, positive basketball program with purpose—built on character, discipline, and community—helping young athletes grow on and off the court through life skills like confidence, teamwork, leadership, and discipline.
MEET OUR COACHES
Meet the Kings coaching staff—dedicated mentors who lead with character, discipline, and community, committed to developing student-athletes through fundamentals, confidence, teamwork, and leadership on and off the court.
Kings In Action
Why Your Partnership Matters
Your contribution helps keep this program going and creates real opportunities for the next generation. Together, we can build confidence, character, and a positive path forward through youth sports.
Access for All
Fundraising helps remove financial barriers so every child can participate—regardless of income.
Keep Costs Affordable
Donations help cover uniforms, equipment, gym rentals, tournament fees, and coaching—so registration stays reasonable.
Better Opportunities
Support allows for improved training, safe facilities, and travel/tournament experiences that help athletes grow.
Youth Development
Fundraisers can help with clinics, mentorship, and scholarships—supporting growth on and off the court by promoting families and local businesses together to build a lasting support system for our kids.
Latest News
Kings Kickoff New Season
The Kings Youth Basketball Institute is proud to begin another exciting season focused on growth, opportunity, and community.
As a nonprofit organization supporting the Kings Basketball Program, the Institute continues to expand access for boys in grades 4th through 7th to participate in the Des Moines Parks and Recreation Youth Basketball League. This growth has more than doubled the number of players and coaches involved, creating even more opportunities for young athletes to learn, compete, and develop both on and off the court.
The season opened with a successful Kickoff Pizza Party, where players, coaches, and parents gathered to celebrate the start of the year. With more than 70 attendees, the event gave families a chance to meet coaches, learn program expectations, and connect with one another. Together, the season opener and kickoff celebration reflect the Kings’ ongoing commitment to accessible training, teamwork, and community.