PARENTS & FAMILIES

Your Child's Journey
Starts Here

Join a community of families committed to nurturing young athletes through sports, education, and character development. We're here to support both you and your child every step of the way.

OUR PROGRAMS

Comprehensive Youth Development

Each program combines basketball with essential life skills, creating well-rounded young leaders prepared for success.

Hoops & Harmony

Basketball + SEL + Restorative Practices

Ages 14-18

A comprehensive basketball skill development program integrating training sessions, community circles, restorative practices, social-emotional learning (SEL) and parent & youth engagement.

Program Includes:

  • Community circles facilitation
  • Restorative practices implementation
  • Social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum
  • Parent & youth engagement activities
Learn More

Future MVP

Basketball + Financial Literacy + Mindset

Ages 14-18

A tailored basketball skill development program incorporating financial literacy, mindset development, community circles, restorative practices, social-emotional learning (SEL) and parent & youth engagement.

Program Includes:

  • Community circles participation
  • Restorative practices integration
  • Social-emotional learning (SEL) development
  • Parent & youth engagement sessions
Learn More
YOUR CHILD'S SAFETY

Safety is Our Top Priority

We maintain the highest safety standards to ensure every child feels secure, protected, and valued in our programs

Certified Staff

All team members are background-checked, trained, and certified in child safety protocols

Medical Ready

First aid certified personnel and emergency medical protocols at every location

Constant Supervision

Appropriate supervision ratios and visibility protocols maintained at all times

PARENT RESOURCES

Everything You Need to Support Your Child

Access important documents, guides, and resources to help you stay informed and engaged in your child's journey.

Download Resources

Parent Handbook

Complete guide to our programs, policies, and expectations.

PDF
Download

Nutrition Guide

Healthy eating tips and meal plans for young athletes.

PDF
Download

Academic Support Resources

Tools and tips for balancing sports and schoolwork.

PDF
Download

Emergency Contact Forms

Required forms for program participation and emergencies.

FORMS
Download

Transportation Guide

Pickup/drop-off procedures and transportation options.

PDF
Download

Mental Health Resources

Supporting your child's emotional and mental wellbeing.

PDF
Download

Upcoming Events

Friday Night Place

Every Friday
3:30 PM - 5:15 PM
Main Gymnasium - Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School, Oak Park, IL
PARENT TESTIMONIALS

What Families Are Saying

Real reviews from parents who have experienced the positive impact of our programs firsthand.

M Hans

Parent

Vince and his team run a great program. We participated in both small group and semi-private classes (with Coach Avery). They meet the players where they are at individually as players and work on overall basketball awareness.

Marguerite Hernandez

Local Guide · 14 reviews · 7 photos

If I could give higher than a perfect score for coach vince and his program I would! There are not enough descriptive words to express how amazing his program is. You can't fake genuine care and he really cares about every single player.

Jon Emrich

Parent

Coach Vince is first of all is a very good person, he's passionate about this sport and his students. Our niece has been going for about a year now and have seen improvement in all phases of her game. She's gone from not starting to starting player.

Benas Jazerskas

Parent

Nothing but a great experience with Vince Thomas Basketball Training. Coach Vince is not only the best basketball coach, but also a great mentor for the kids. My son's basketball skills improved immensely in just a few months. Highly recommend!

Michael Whiteside

Parent

Vince is a great basketball instructor for players of all ages and skill levels, and his individualized approach caters to all different positions and skill sets.

Ryan Gagliano

Parent

Vince is an outstanding trainer for players of all ages. He teaches advanced fundamentals, and is a demanding coach who only wants your child to succeed. Both my boys love playing for him.

Paulina Rzeszowska

Parent

VTBT training is amazing! They teach proper techniques, rules, postures, positioning and tricks. They also help kids get in better physical shape. My children went from playing 'something' to playing the basketball. It is a pleasure to go and see their games and how they improved. Thanks a million, VTBT !!!

Payton

Parent

I was looking for a great basketball trainer for my son who would be entering his freshman year of high school. My son had played with many of the travel programs as well as in the high school feeder system. I spoke for an hour with Vince and was immediately impressed.

Dave Brackmann

Parent

Vince is the best. My son Luke has been working with Vince in small group training for 2 years. He has improved in his skill and confidence. Vince is a great teacher but you can also tell how much he cares about his players. Luke always looks forward to training.

Giovanna Saraceno

Parent

Vince Thomas is a great coach. My son came to him with little confidence and within 3 months it all changed. Vince cares about the kids and gets in there and plays with them. You can tell he loves to teach and watch the kids improve.

Craig Capp

Parent

I highly recommend training with Vince. There is a significant difference between youth coaching in schools, park districts, travel teams and what Vince can accomplish. The drills are more focused, the intensity is high but perfectly balanced.

Michael Schulte

Parent

Vince is an excellent coach and dedicated to his trainings. He has worked with my son individually and in group settings and is always focused on the details of development. Highly recommend!

Cesar Jarrin

Parent

I recommend Vince from being an excellent coach for my son. Vince has coached my son for few months now and he has accomplished making the basketball team thanks to Vince that helped him improve. Vince is one of the best coaches you could fine because he takes the time to teach anything you'll need to change to your game. I really recommend as a coach if you want your kid to improve to the next level.

Heather Murray Olson

Parent

My daughter just wrapped up her last session of three with Vince Thomas. She really loved these clinics! She learned proper shooting technique, new plays, and some drills. He is patient and explains everything well!

Chuck Bison

Local Guide · 23 reviews · 22 photos

Coach Vince is a mentor to our son. He leads with compassion and strength, pushing our son to the be best basketball player he can be. He develops players with skills training and through game play scenarios. He has changed our son's life. We are proud to share our son's basketball journey with Coach Vince.

N G

Local Guide · 14 reviews

VTBT offers private and group training sessions, and my son has taken advantage of both opportunities. Our first visit was a complimentary evaluation in a group setting, where Vince provided his recommendations and we proceeded accordingly. His training focuses on all aspects of the game, i.e. physical conditioning, coordination, shooting form, dribble drive penetration, advanced ball handling, passing, IQ, etc. Vince relates to the kids very well and conducts his business professionally. I'm extremely satisfied with my son's experience, so much that his sibling will be training with Vince too.

Maleah Cummings

Parent

In 2016, I contacted VTBT to see if Vince might be willing to travel to northern WI to provide my son's 6th grade basketball team with a special surprise skills camp. I was thrilled when Vince so graciously agreed. He was so easy to work with, so accommodating, and did an absolutely wonderful job with the boys! Vince has a very powerful and dynamic personality that commands attention and hard work. His passion for coaching both in basketball, and in life, is contagious and seems to bring out the best in all. I couldn't have asked for a better experience and I would definitely recommend VTBT!

Tony M

Parent

Vince Thomas Basketball training has done wonders for my son. In just a couple of sessions his shots have improved tremendously and his ball handling has improved as well. Vince is a great coach and great person. My son is looking forward to taking more lessons with Vince Thomas Basketball Training. Thanks Vince!

Ready to Join Our Family?

See why families trust U Belong with their children's development. Contact our team today.