January in Brookhaven doesn’t just mean a new year. It’s alsotime for things to crank up on the round ball courts at theBrookhaven Recreation Department.

Registration begins for 2009 basketball on Monday, and BRDofficials are excited about the outlook for the season. Last year’sseason fielded about 18 teams for ages 6 to 14.

“Normally that’s the age that we stop at because we don’t get alot of people older than that, but it’s always open, we make use ofwhat we have at hand,” said Program Supervisor Valerie Moore. “Theolder ones are welcome but we really never have them.”

Potential participants can begin registering at either therecreation department building on Highway 51 or the office in theold train depot downtown on Monday at 8 a.m. The building onHighway 51 is open until 4:30 p.m., and the depot closes at 6 p.m.every day but Friday.

Moore said there are three age divisions, with teams for ages6-8, 9-11, and 12-14. She said games will take place Monday,Tuesday and Thursday nights, with each division playing once aweek.

“Everyone is guaranteed at least eight games,” Moore said.”That’s excluding spring break week. We won’t play that week.”

There are already some coaches signed up, but there is alwaysroom for more dedicated coaches, she said.

“We have some that are signed up, but we’re always in need ofgood coaches,” Moore said, adding that there is a background checkfor the safety of the children.

There is a $40 registration fee that pays for team shirts,participation certificates, and trophies for first and second placeteams in each division, Moore said. The other perk is healthycompetition for children during a formative time in theirlives.

“It’s a good program, we have good coaches, and it buildsself-esteem and sportsmanship,” Moore said. “Plus, all childrenshould stay active for their own health.”

The last day to register is Friday, Jan. 16, with the seasontipping off on Monday, Feb. 2.