This year, the New Iberia Recreation Department has partnered with the New Orleans pelicans to provide a unique basketball opportunity for children in Iberia Parish.

The National Basketball Association and Women’s National Basketball Association announced earlier this year that the launch of Junior NBA Leagues would be happening across the country in 11 markets starting this month, with the goal of reaching half a million participants in the first five years.

NIRD Director Heather Dominique said the league would replace Parks and Recreation’s winter basketball program that was open to children starting at 4-years-old. Four and 5-year-olds will still have a basketball clinic and will eventually be able to graduate into the Junior NBA league once they hit the right age, Dominique said.

Children participating in the league will receive an official NBA or WNBA jersey, and the league will receive a basketball for every team that is registered for the league.

“I believe that every parent that has a child that has an interest in basketball should want to at least try this league out, if nothing else to be a part of history,” said Domingue.

Registration is open to children ages 6-14 and the deadline to register is Dec. 15.