FAQ:

What ages do you serve?

Most of our basketball programs are designed for boys and girls ages 4-9. We group children by age and ability level to ensure everyone gets the best experience and appropriate instruction. Our lowered baskets and junior-sized basketballs help younger children (ages 4-5) build confidence, while older participants (ages 6-9) work on more advanced skills. Some locations may have slight variations, so please check the specific program listing for exact age ranges.

What size basketball do you use in your sessions?

We use a junior basketball (SIze 5) or 27.5”. Here is a link to get one on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qqv7VA

What should my child wear and bring?

Children should wear comfortable athletic clothing and proper sneakers (no sandals, boots, or dress shoes). We recommend bringing a labeled water bottle to stay hydrated during sessions. All basketballs and equipment are provided by Future Stars. For outdoor summer camps, please apply sunscreen before arrival and consider sending a hat. If your child wears glasses, sports straps are helpful but not required.

Can parents stay and watch?

Absolutely! Parents are always welcome to stay and watch their children participate. We find that many parents enjoy seeing their kids learn and grow, and it gives you a chance to see our Lessons of Life curriculum in action. We simply ask that spectators remain in designated viewing areas and allow coaches to run the session without interruption. For younger children (ages 4-5), having a parent nearby can help them feel more comfortable, especially during their first few sessions.

What makes Future Stars different from other youth sports programs?

Future Stars Sports Academy is more than just a sports program—we're committed to developing the whole child. Here's what sets us apart:

Lessons of Life Curriculum: Every session includes our signature educational program covering personal values, substance abuse prevention, and life skills. Kids receive homework assignments to discuss with parents, reinforcing these lessons at home.

30 Years of Experience: Founded in 1995 by Coach Jim Olayos, who was named America's Most Caring Coach by USA Today Weekend Magazine. Our program has been featured in The New York Times and USA Today.

Year-Round Consistency: Unlike summer-only camps, we offer consistent programming throughout the school year, allowing children to develop skills systematically over time.

Age-Appropriate Equipment: We use lowered baskets and junior-sized basketballs so younger children can experience success and build confidence from day one.

Expert Instruction: Our curriculum was developed with NCAA and high school coaches to ensure professional-quality instruction adapted for young learners.

Are the Lessons of Life included in all programs?

Yes! Our Lessons of Life educational program is integrated into every Future Stars session at no additional cost. Each session features an interactive, age-appropriate message focused on topics like friendship, health, responsibility, sportsmanship, and making good decisions. Children receive a homework assignment to complete with a parent or guardian, creating meaningful conversations at home. This isn't an add-on—it's at the core of who we are and what makes Future Stars unique.

What is the coach-to-child ratio?

We maintain small group sizes to ensure every child receives individual attention and instruction. Typical ratios range from 1 coach for every 8-10 children, though this can vary by location and program type. Our coaches are trained in the Future Stars System and are skilled at managing groups while providing personalized feedback to each participant.

My child has never played basketball. Is that okay?

Absolutely! Many of our participants are complete beginners, and we love introducing children to basketball for the first time. Our program is specifically designed to build fundamentals from the ground up in a fun, supportive environment. Children are grouped by age and ability, so your child will be learning alongside peers at a similar level. We focus on building confidence as much as skills—every child leaves feeling like a Future Star, regardless of their starting point.

Do you offer programs in my area?

Future Stars Sports Academy currently offers programs throughout Connecticut (including Fairfield, Trumbull, Shelton, Stamford, and Stratford) and has recently expanded to Irvine, California. We're growing! Visit our Register page to see all current locations and session times. If you don't see a location near you and would be interested in bringing Future Stars to your community, please contact us—we're always looking for new partnerships with schools, recreation departments, and community organizations.

How do I register my child?

Registration is easy! Visit our website at futurestarssportsacademy.com and click "Register Here" to see all available programs. You can filter by location (Connecticut or California) and by season. Select your preferred program, choose your session dates and time slot, and complete the online registration form. Payment is collected at the time of registration. If you have any questions during the process, call us at (203) 892-5358 and we'll be happy to help.

What happens if a session is cancelled due to weather?

Safety is our top priority. If a session must be cancelled due to inclement weather or facility closure, we will update our website and social media accounts with relevant information. We make every effort to schedule a make-up session, though this may not always be possible depending on facility availability. In cases where make-up sessions cannot be arranged, we'll work with affected families on a case-by-case basis.

Can my child join mid-session?

In most cases, yes! If a session has already started but space is available, we're often able to accommodate late registrations. The tuition may be prorated depending on how many sessions remain. Please contact us directly to check availability and discuss options for joining an in-progress session.

Still have questions? We're here to help! Call us at (203) 892-5358 or email olayosjames@gmail.com. We look forward to welcoming your child to the Future Stars family!