CELEBRATES 25 YEARS IN 2022

From humble beginnings to the most extensive youth basketball programming in Winnipeg.


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IT ALL STARTED FOR FUN

The fall of 1997 Winnipeg community clubs saw the potential and got on side.

After five years living away in Victoria and Calgary, Mike Ruta returned with his family to Winnipeg in August 1997 but not before observing community basketball played in both cities. Separate from high school and elite provincial basketball Victoria and Calgary had developed community programs for both male and female youth involving teams selected in community centres throughout each city. Starting at age five, teams were organized and played at local schools in one-hour intervals involving referees, gym supervisors, coaches and practices throughout the season ranging from October to April.

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INTERVIEW WITH WMBA FOUNDER MIKE RUTA

Darcy Coss Podcast Host Basketball Manitoba interviews Mike Ruta who is considered the “Father of the WMBA,” as he led the formation of the Winnipeg Minor Basketball Association in 1997 and became the league’s first president.  His vision was to provide a structured basketball league for Winnipeg area youth outside the school system and open for all to participate.

  1. 01/10/1997
  2. 01/01/1999
  3. 01/01/2006
  4. 01/06/2006
  5. 01/01/2008
  6. 01/01/2010
  7. 01/01/2013
  8. 01/01/2018
  9. 01/01/2020
  1. WMBA INAUGURAL SEASON

    In 1997 Mike Ruta along with a small group of basketball enthusiasts get together and launch a grassroots youth basketball league in Winnipeg. This first seasons consists of 40 teams run out of 7 community clubs

  2. HOOPFEST

    In 2001 Hoopfest a day full of skills challenges for league player ages 13 and under was organized and brought to fruition by WMBA founding member Larry Kabez (Vince Leah), Secretary of the Association at the time. Larry took the idea and with the help of a handful of individuals who he recognized as key contributors to the league developed the full day program.

  3. FIRST WMBA OUTDOOR COURT

    In 2004 the WMBA board approved the establishment of the WMBA Foundation. Two years later with funds from WMBA participants together with funding from various levels of government the first outdoor court was built at Garden City Community Centre.

  4. GIRL SHE GOT GAME & COACH OF THE YEAR

    The WMBA received a government grant from a Federal Health department to fund the promotion of female involvement in basketball. The subsequent marketing program consisted of both print a television. That same year a coach of the year award was introduced.

  5. RISING STARS LEAGUE

    To meet the growing demand for a competitive program the league responded with a division for ages 12 to 15. The popularity of the league necessitated a qualifying tournament in the fall of 2009.

  6. 5-7 YEAR DIVISION & 3 ON 3 LEAGUES

    In 2010 the WMBA secured its first corporate sponsorship to offer youth leagues at the 5 to 7 year age group. Denny's restaurants sponsorship helped to subsidize registration for participants new to the sport of basketball. This same year 3 on 3 leagues for ages 6 thru 8 as well as a summer league for ages 15 to 18 was started.

  7. GIRLS CAN PLAY & JR NBA

    In 2013 Juki Choeun joined the WMBA board as director of women's programming. The "Girl Can Play" initiative successfully attracted 190 participants in a skills competition. The same year the Junior NBA program offered a 12-week skill development camp.

  8. JR NBA EXPANDED & PEG CITY BASKETBALL LEAGUE

    In 2018 the well established Jr NBA program was expanded to offer sessions for ages 7 through 11. This program offers skills development for those new to the game and is offered outside league play. The same year WMBA and Peg City Basketball add two new programs for youth in grades 5 to 8 and grades 9 through 12.

  9. LEAGUE PLAY SUSPENDED FOR THE FIRST TIME

    Due to COVID the playoffs for the 2019/2020 season were cancelled followed by the spring and fall seasons the same year. The league persisted by offering 1-to-1 training, virtual skill work and smaller sized in-person training when the green light was given by government.

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TESTIMONIALS

Mike Ruta

“Thank-you to all our volunteers who have served over the years as convenors, coaches, members of the WMBA board and in other volunteer capacities. Also thank-you to the WMBA 25th Anniversary Committee for all their hard work in making our 25th Anniversary in 2022 a memorable year.”

Jordan Coates 

“My many years playing in the WMBA were some of the most character building and fun years I’ve ever had. The attitude of the coaches, refs, players and crowds was that of personal growth and acceptance. I recommend playing in this league, at any age. Congratulation to the hard working people who keep the league afloat on 25 years strong and for everything you do for young people in Winnipeg!”

Wyatt Anders

"Thank you to the WMBA and all those that have been apart of it over the 25 years. The grassroots development it provided was huge to my journey in basketball. There has been countless hours of volunteering that goes into the programming and it is appreciated by all that participated in the WMBA!"

Mike Ruta

“Thank-you to all our volunteers who have served over the years as convenors, coaches, members of the WMBA board and in other volunteer capacities. Also thank-you to the WMBA 25th Anniversary Committee for all their hard work in making our 25th Anniversary in 2022 a memorable year.”

Jordan Coates 

“My many years playing in the WMBA were some of the most character building and fun years I’ve ever had. The attitude of the coaches, refs, players and crowds was that of personal growth and acceptance. I recommend playing in this league, at any age. Congratulation to the hard working people who keep the league afloat on 25 years strong and for everything you do for young people in Winnipeg!”

Wyatt Anders

"Thank you to the WMBA and all those that have been apart of it over the 25 years. The grassroots development it provided was huge to my journey in basketball. There has been countless hours of volunteering that goes into the programming and it is appreciated by all that participated in the WMBA!"