Jeffrey, a fifth grader, was tired from his demanding academic day and ready for some fun.

There’s no better way than to play a little hoops in the John & Alice Wallace Petrolane Center’s Boys & Girls Club gym.

Ten-year-old Jeffrey declared last week that it was his favorite moment of the day. “I pick up a basketball and engage in a one-on-one match with my companion. After spending the entire day at school, it feels amazing. In addition, Jeffrey is excited to be a member of a squad in the B&G Basketball League, which is returning after being suspended for two years due to the coronavirus outbreak.

“Our goal is to restart the league in January,” stated Terrence Berry, the regional director of B&G Clubs. Berry used to be a member of Petrolane as a young lad growing up in Long Beach. “It’s wonderful to be returning to a somewhat normal life following the pandemic.”


When four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry and hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg assisted children in celebrating the opening of a renovated gym at the Petrolane Center in MLK Park in August, the B&G Clubs League received a significant boost.

Speaking to wide-eyed children, Snoop Dogg mentioned that the court was the same one where, as a boy, he had learned how to make layups. Back then, his name was Calvin Broadus, Jr. He remarked, “This is where I learned how to play basketball and be involved in the community.” It’s where I essentially learned how to talk, rap, and just be myself. It’s all about seeing children strive to be better than us when we return.


Curry informed the children that he and Snoop Dogg want to give them “a space where you can enjoy yourself and get lost in the fun, lost in the competition and invest in yourselves” with the support of Under Armour. Curry described the kids as “unbelievable, the best” after working with them on drills and basketball shooting.

In an effort to revive the league, Berry, of the B&G Clubs, stated that he is concentrating on children in the elementary and middle school grades.

Berry stated, “The league is important because it brings families together to cheer on their team.”It fosters a sense of community among the children as they learn about cooperation and teamwork.

Jeffrey is just one of the thousands of children who each year gain from the sports programs run by the B&G Clubs, which keep them off the streets by engaging in constructive activities. And in order to do that, the youth group requires balls for dodgeball, kickball, baseball, soccer, football, volleyball, football, and baseball.

Because of this, the Press-Telegram and its sister daily, the Grunion Gazette, have started their fifth annual “Let’s Play Ball” appeal, urging readers to contribute money and new balls to the clubs’ sports, health, and leisure initiatives. By Dec. 12, when the drive ends, 2,800 balls must be provided.


Every year, the B&G Clubs of Long Beach provide services to over 2,500 children between the ages of 6 and 18 at 13 different locations throughout the city.

Berry stated that teams in three age groups are being chosen for the B&G Clubs basketball league: 6–8, 8–10, and 10–13.


Berry expressed gratitude to Snoop Dogg, Curry Brand, and Under Armour for their joint efforts to support children. Snoop Dogg is currently assisting with community development and youth coaching. He remarked, “We are so appreciative of everything they have done to support our kids.”