A new summer basketball league is offering a positive outlet for children in the community.

Justin Roundtree, an employee with the Boys & Girls Club of Washington, said he came up with the concept as a way to keep community members engaged, while also raising money for operations and equipment at the club. Though the league is not a club program, the club has allowed the league use of its gym.

Roundtree, 21, who has participated in club activities since the age of 6, now serves as a leader, or mentor, at the club.

“I just thought, ‘What if I start a league here to have a fundraiser for the kids, so we can get more equipment and other things for the club, for them to play and learn?” Roundtree said.  “The kids are our future no matter what. We have to make sure kids are doing the right things and staying out of the streets and staying successful.”

Roundtree said the club had a huge impact on him as a youngster. He considered himself a troublemaker as a child, and the club helped him stay clear of negative influences.

Now, through his work at the club, as well as the league, Roundtree is trying to pay it forward, helping to create an environment where community members can have fun and be safe and free from negativity, he said. Many children and even some adults don’t have good home lives and struggle every day to rise above negative influences and activity, but Roundtree’s efforts are meant to offset that.

“I was blessed enough to have parents to raise me right,” he said. “For some, it’s hard because they have no role models in their life. (The league) is just a great program to be in because we’re going to try our best to make sure you’re living your life and don’t have to worry about negative things.”

So far, six teams have come forward to participate in the Wednesday night league. Each team pays an entry fee, which benefits the club and the children who participate in club activities, Roundtree said.

He said participants also put God at the forefront when playing in the tournament. Before and after each night of play, all the players, coaches and volunteer referees come together to pray for a fun, positive game with no injuries, he said.

“I’m praying the community will come together,” Roundtree said. “You can come, and it’s all about having fun. It brings a lot of guys together of all ages and races to come and play. It’s a good community activity. Everyone is always having a good time. I want to help people and pray with them. We are brothers and sisters; we are all family. We’re going to make sure we put God in it. We don’t know what people may be going through that day. As we pray for them, things can get better for that person.”

The league will run through mid-August. Teams can register for $150, according to Roundtree. The league is from 6-8 p.m. each Wednesday night.

For more information, contact Justin Roundtree at 252-623-8183.