More than 600 middle schoolers in Bridgeport are taking part in this season’s basketball and cheerleading program.

“It’s all about having fun, it’s a good experience all around,” said Kevin Sanchez, an eighth grader at Roosevelt School.

Games are played every Saturday and take place simultaneously at three separate high schools – Central, Harding and Bassick.

Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders (BCYL), a nonprofit, partnered with Bridgeport Public Schools to provide middle schoolers with an opportunity to play basketball and cheerlead.

“They need a healthy outlet, middle school is a difficult age, there’s a lot of stress, a lot of emotion. It’s important,” said basketball coach Jake Weinstein.

The season had a delay in start – but with the help from several families, coaches, and the city, the season kicked off without a hitch.

“It impacts them from a social standpoint because everyone is always on their phone, there’s at least six hours to where kids get to communicate…and spark new friendships,” said BCYL’s Sports Director Willie Cora.

Cora says the push to make this a possibility highlights the focus on the city’s youth.