Welcome Homeschool Parent!

The Des Moines Defenders basketball program is offered to homeschool boys and girls who will be 8–18 years old for the 2026–27 school year.

The Defenders is a competitive Christian homeschool basketball program focused on developing basketball skills, teamwork, character, and a love for the game while providing athletes an opportunity to glorify and honor God through competitive sports.

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." — 1 Corinthians 10:31

Registration is now open. Before registering, please read the Parent Code of Conduct, Player Code of Conduct, and Volunteer pages under the Home Page tab.

2026–27 Basketball Teams

The Defenders are planning teams in the following age groups:

8-Year-Old Boys

Planned Season: 12–15 games

The 8-year-old program will be offered only if we are able to secure a coach. At this time, we do not have a coach who has committed to leading this team.

If you are interested in coaching or helping coach the 8-year-old team, please contact us.

10U

Planned Season: 15–18 games
Initial Player Cap: 12 players

We will increase the player limit if additional qualified coaches step forward and allow us to create additional teams.

12U

Planned Season: 15–18 games
Initial Player Cap: 12 players

We will increase the player limit if additional qualified coaches step forward and allow us to create additional teams.

14U

Planned Season: 25–28 games
Initial Player Cap: 20 players

We will increase the player limit if additional qualified coaches step forward and allow us to create additional teams.

15–18 / High School

Planned Season: 25–28 games

The high school program is designed to provide a competitive schedule while continuing to emphasize player development, teamwork, character, and Christian sportsmanship.

Game Schedule & Travel

We understand that travel is an important consideration for homeschool families when choosing an athletic program. Our goal is to provide a competitive schedule while keeping the travel commitment reasonable.

12U and Younger

The 8U, 10U, and 12U teams will play mostly local games.

• The majority of games are expected to have a travel time of less than one hour from Des Moines.

• These teams are not expected to require overnight travel.

• We will prioritize opportunities that allow younger players to compete without requiring significant travel.

14U and High School

The 14U and high school teams will have a more extensive competitive schedule and will have opportunities to participate in tournaments outside the Des Moines area.

We anticipate 2–3 Friday/Saturday tournaments requiring an overnight stay.

Potential tournament locations include:

• Lincoln, Nebraska

• Salina, Kansas

• Rockford, Illinois

Participation in these overnight tournaments is not mandatory, but we strongly encourage players who are able to attend to participate. These events provide valuable competitive experience and opportunities for team bonding.

Important: Coaching Determines Team Capacity

The number of players we can accept in each age group is directly related to the number of coaches available.

Our goal is to provide athletes with a quality experience where coaches can give players meaningful instruction, attention, and development opportunities.

For that reason:

More coaches = more teams = more opportunities for players.

If you have coaching experience—or simply have a willingness to learn and serve—we would love to talk with you about joining the Defenders coaching staff. You do not necessarily need previous coaching experience to help. We have experienced coaches who can help new coaches learn the Defenders system and approach.

Eligibility & Registration

Participation in the Des Moines Defenders basketball program is limited to homeschool students.

Registration Fees

12U and younger: $150*
14U: $170*
15–18 / High School: $200*

*Participation in the annual Free Throw Fundraiser can reduce your registration fee by up to $50.

Registration opens September 1.

Because team sizes are dependent upon available coaches, some age groups may fill quickly.

Open Gyms

Open gyms will begin in May.

Schedule and locations will be announced on the Calendar page.

Open gyms provide players with an opportunity to continue developing their skills, get additional practice time, and prepare for the upcoming season.

Practice Locations

Practices will be held at various locations in the Des Moines/Ankeny area.

Saylorville Church

6429 NW 6th Dr.
Des Moines, IA 50313

Heritage Assembly of God

5051 NE 5th St.
Des Moines, IA 50313

Prairie Trail Sports Complex

2250 SW Vintage Pkwy
Ankeny, IA 50023

See the Calendar page for specific practice times and locations.

Questions?

If you have questions about the basketball program, registration, coaching, or volunteering, please contact:

John Schuster
desmoinesdefenders@gmail.com
515-779-8797

Practice  Locations

See Calendar page for times and location specifics