about Spoons Summer Basketball Leagues
Mel Witherspoon and his group of loyal volunteers provide summer basketball programs for youth ages 6 to 18 throughout the City of Erie.
The Spoon’s Summer Youth Basketball League allows boys and girls of Erie, PA, and its surrounding areas to play organized recreational basketball every week throughout June and July.
Our aim is to increase each player’s knowledge of the rules and basic game strategies, develop team and individual skills, and for our kids to have fun while learning basketball.
Melvin Witherspoon (Mr. Spoon)
A native of Newark, New Jersey, Mel Witherspoon came to Erie on a Gannon basketball scholarship. With 537 points and 522 rebounds in just two seasons, Witherspoon earned a revered place in the school’s program.
In 1995, Mr. Witherspoon became the first African American elected to Erie City Council since 1977, taking the oath of office symbolically from predecessor Larry D. Meredith. Witherspoon’s many and varied civic contributions, but he is perhaps best remembered for the summer youth basketball program he established in 1990.
In 2015 he was honored with the naming of a portion of East 19th Street between French and Holland, “Witherspoon Lane.” Lane was not a happenstance choice, given its importance in the game, Witherspoon’s legendary career as a basketball center, and his impact on the lives of generations of city youth. “Mel has done so many important things here in this community over the past 25 years. He has made a difference in so many young people’s lives, so we thought this was a fitting tribute so his legacy will be remembered by young people to come,” said Mayor, Joe Sinnott.
Our Mission & Vision
It is the Mission of the Spoon’s League Program to educate, empower, and minister to the social and educational needs, confidence, commitment, and integrity of the youth in this program. So they can live productively and successfully tomorrow.
Our goal is to teach young athletes respect for themselves, their peers, their parents and the community by establishing a code of ethics built on honesty, responsibility and teamwork.
Together, our players, volunteers, officials, families will work with unyielding spirit to cultivate a safe and disciplined environment so every child can reach their full potential, develop their talents and increase their skills in the game of basketball, and more important…Life.
30+ Years of Community Work
Are you passionate about basketball and want to make a positive difference in the lives of young athletes? Join our nonprofit organization as a volunteer and help us provide free summer basketball programs for youth ages 6 to 16.
We are looking for dedicated individuals to serve as coaches, both head and assistant, as well as volunteers for scorekeeping, security, and cleanup at our East 19th St and West 4th St locations. By volunteering with us, you will have the opportunity to inspire and mentor young athletes, while promoting teamwork, discipline, and respect.
Sign up today and be a part of our mission to empower and educate the youth through the game of basketball. Together, we can create a safe and nurturing environment where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.
