UNION CITY RAPTORS     

We will be submitting more testimonials from Spring 2013:

My soon to be 8th grade son Arturo is really enjoying his new team, the UC Raptors! He came from another UNION CITY team that he played on for 2 seasons. As a parent, I was frustrated and tired of the Director and Coaching staff allowing older boys to play "down" at tournaments. Just recently, my son's team went to the Reno Jam On It tourny as a 7th grade team and this former team took a few 9th Graders and had them play down in Reno! My son and other players lost playing time due to this poor manuever and this was the last straw. Other parents are now migrating to the UCR program as we were happy to read and review their website on how they NEVER play down! We want our kids to have every opportunity to grow and learn and this is NOT THE WAY to operate. I was anew parent to this type and level of playing AAU Basketball so I joined the 1st team my son heard about. Now we know to do our homework before handing over a check!

Bianca M (new parent for Summer 2013)

If you're looking for a strong program to keep your kids on their toes and constantly learning and growing, YOU FOUND THE PLACE! I have been a loyal CYO parent/family for a few years now and since we joined the Raptors, my son and daughter both have completely tranformed their game! My daughter plays for Coach Mando and the Swoosh Program while my son plays on Coach Stacey's team. Theire agressiveness on defense and shot selection is great now! They focus on confidence building and having fun at the same time. Thanks UCR and SWOOSH!

Tony M

I finally got a chance to see & experience Raptor Pride! What an AMAZING feeling! Going to Raptor practices and seeing the level of passion and intensity these coaches perform every night teaching our kids is really a site to see and appreciate. Then watching these kids utilize the tools and empowerment at games/tournaments is so gratifying! I am truly a proud parent and will be sharing and encouraging my experiences with other families and friends. Seeing my son use his 2 seasons of AAU (Summer and Spring 2012) skill set during his recent CYO season really showed the fruit of his labor! His CYO coach asked what kind of agressive defense is this? My son answered, "Raptor D!" He became a starter the whole season and his team made it into the playoffs! I can't wait for AAU Spring Season 2013 to get here!

Jenn, Ant & Josiah M

The Tri-City area is lucky to have this wonderful program available to our growing kids! They have great coaches who are passionate about helping and molding our athletes into RAPTORS! We love this program and the structure. We signed up for the development camp for Spring Season and by the time Summer came around, our son made the competition team! Before the UC Raptors, he was a decent CYO player with little basketball IQ and basic defense. Now he is more alert and confident to dribble and shoot! His defense is FIERCE and we are so proud! GO RAPTORS!

Salgado Family

My family came to the Raptors last season. We were brand new to the program and happy to say that we are very pleased with the program and it's overall outlook on youth sports. My two sons play on Coach John and Coach Ernesto's JR Varsity and Varsity teams. We migrated from another local team with another family who told us about the Raptors program. We both recently left a local team because the coach and director encouraged playing against younger teams at tournaments! Even purposely entering in weaker divisions to better the chance at winning. Our boys weren't learning much and it seemed that the overall program was interested more in recieving a trophy rather then teaching the game. I do appreciate how the Raptors ALWAYS enter Division 1 tournaments and win or lose, my son's are really trying and making efforts on the court. Seeing and playing against bigger stronger faster teams really helped my boys strive harder. Thats what I needed in a program. I do also appreciate how the program breaks down all the costs for gym time, tournaments and uniforms so I know where my money is going. It helps with single parents on a budget. Glad we found a new family & my boys are learning!

Rebecca G

My son just loves this program! We as parents are very happy here and openly brag and share what this UC Raptors Program has done for our family! We have tried numerous other sports to get my son into a healthy living habit. He seemed to show light interest with martial arts, soccer and summer camps but really took a liking to basketball. My son has always played on the National Team for his CYO (lower "B" level past 2 seasons) and we were content. After practicing and training for just one season with the Raptors, my son has seemd to have grown in sports alertness and made a near 180 degrees in overall sports agressiveness! He is so much more aware on the court and his confidence has sky rocketed! He seems to have lost weight and prefers to play outside rather than play video games on a Saturday! The coaches motivation and spirit to encourage these kids to play is amazing! For the 1st time, my son now plays on his CYO American team (A level) and we couldn't be prouder. I was honestly a bit surprised on how much the coaching staff are "hands on" with the drills and work outs. The actual curriculam is a bit intense to new parents but then again AAU is an entirely differant animal than CYO and NJB. I do also like how the agency shows you exactly where your fees end up and no hidden costs anywhere. It is truly a blessing to have such great role models steering our kids here. 

Patrica, David & Cody K!

Super Happy Parent Here! If you are considering a program for your child/children, look no further! The coaches are full of positive energy, knowledge and motivated to keep your athlete growing. I have a daugther playing for Coach Carlos (CJ) and he is wonderful! It was our first year playing on his JV team this year and I'm so glad to say we will be returning next year for another 2 seasons! (Spring and Summer) I love how they encourage "Raptors on 3 Family on 6" and to play for the name on the front of your jesey, not the back! Family First and bringing the kids together as a team is such an important direction to teach. CJ was very knowlegable of the game and can really energize the girls to work harder and play even harder! I'm such an advocate for this program and will be for a LONG TIME. GO RAPTORS!

Regina R

If I had to rate this program 1-5 , this is a definite high 4 for sure. I'll tell you why...1 point goes to the cost of the program. It's pretty affordable for a single parent. 1 point goes to the staff, they are amazing! Patience, knowledge and organized!  1 point goes to the Learning! Staff here are teach kids no only basketball but life skills such as team work, honestly, accountability and hard work! My last point goes to the Program and Families. Everyone from the Director to the all coaches and parent managers are so nice and supportive. It is honestly like a 2nd family! I would of picked 5 stars total but I do have to say that the programis short and I wished it lasted longer. The Spring season just flies by so fast and Summer is great but again, short! It would be nice to have a Fall offering possibly and even Winter!

D Gonzales & Family

 "Biggest changes and adjustments for my family transitioning from an old AAU team that my son played for the past 2 years to a brand new program is chemistry and learning curve. We heard from quite a few parents from our church cyo team that this UCR team is so different from the rest of the AAU programs that our city has to offer. The family vibe and feeling sparked my interest but what got me the most curious was everyone was saying their kids are LOVING the game again or just beginning and due largely to the coaches and their seriousness about perfection and discipline.

One coach in particular (Coach Miguel) was able to make the kids smile and enjoy learning and competing! Kids are happy out on court again. He made basketball FUN for my son, Life is great now and thanks!"

 Vanessa G

"Coach Ernesto is one of the best Basketball coaches my son has played for. The Raptors program has been a great overall experience for him. This is a highly competitive program which will challenge your child both in practice and tournamemt play.You can expect intense practices, focused basketball drills and inter-squad scrimmages.The tournament  fees are shared among the team which keeps expenses reasonable for all players."

Kevin Quash

"My son joined the UC Raptors for about 5 years now. The extensive training he received every practice from his Raptor coach made a big difference on his game.  He developed his physical fitness, self-discipline and self-confidence which made him very competitive as a point guard. 

UC Raptors definitely brought my son's basketball skills to a higher level. He loves the UC Raptors so much that he recruited some of his good friends to join him as a Raptor. 

He always looks forward for the season to start.  He enjoys to play with his teammates and loves all his coaches especially Coach Ernesto who's always there to give them support all year round.   Our son is very proud to be a part of the UC Raptors!"

Roger Tabion

        

"Our son has been playing CYO for the past six years.  Three years ago, I discovered a local program for organized "off season" youth basketball.  The experience, dedication, and given opportunities of this organization has groomed our son to use the necessary tools to grow and become a more complete player.  

Not only has his confidence grown, his skill level has greatly improved, especially his basketball I.Q.  We also discovered a new “family” that is very supportive. This local program is the Union City Raptors Basketball Program."

Roderick C

"We have played for other AAU teams and NJB. After many years of trying to find the right fit for our 2 kids, We found the Raptors! Great program in our community with caring coaches who know the game and MOST IMPORTANTLY, can TEACH the game to kids! There's a HUGE difference in being a great teacher and just knowing the game. This is a wonderful place to learn and grow! It was a bit of a reality check for my eldest son but now he his playing high school level ball with the right attitude and work ethic!"

Tony K

"My son has been playing for the Raptors and Coach Ernesto for the past three years and looks for ward to playing for every season.  I admire this coach’s style, dedication, and seriousness towards developing the boys play competitive basketball. He focuses on the players and works with them individually to improve their skills.  

There is also a great level of discipline involved in his coaching style, which builds confidence in the players.

Kudos to you, Coach Ernesto!  Thanks for taking pride in what you do for the kids. 

Sarita Singh



"I am a new Raptor Parent that is so satisfied with Coach Ernesto's Program and style of teaching the game. To start, this is not your typical program where ego's are boosted and our sons are babied. This is a serious program with serious expectations.

The Raptors program and training has developed my son into a confident and aggressive player and I owe that to the coaching.

Be aware parents that this program is not for everyone! It’s a hard program with extreme attention to detail and honing skills.

If you are looking for a program to get your child ready for the next level, you found it! Request Coach Ernesto!

We are Raptors!"

Susan W.

"I enjoyed the new coaching outlook and attention to detail at practices. Coaches here take the game and teaching rather serious and really have the best interest to develop athletes. I see a big improvement in my daugther's game and work ethic now. I appreciate the time and effort Coach CJ and Carlos make for our kids!

GO RAPTORS!"

Ruela M. / Varsity Girls

"No fluff or fancy sentences. Im a happy parent with a son that grew in IQ and confidence on the court. CYO or NJB didnt do that, AAU and Raptors did! No holding hands while crossing the street, they prepare your kids for the next level and hold them accountable for their learning! Love it!"

Kris W / 11U Boys

" "My son has been playing organized basketball for 8 years now. He had been with a school team, CYO, NJB and other AAU team but he is most happy playing with the UC Raptors. He is so anxious even just to go to the practices. He is proud to be a Raptor!!! The UC Raptors is by far the best basketball program my son has been involved with. They don't call the Raptors their team, it's their family."

Emile S



"Thanks Raptors for always thinking of the kids first and most importantly, keeping costs and fees low for us SINGLE PARENTS!"

Tanya H 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Coach Ernesto and all his staff for the continous dedication in teaching my son Colin and other boys the fundamentals of Basketball. Coach Ernesto had a big role, influenced and became an inspiration to Colin, that is why he is playing a solid basketball at present. I met Coach Ernesto at a Walnut Creek tournament (MVP Flight)and he told me that my son Colin has a spot on his team and right away i decided to join him in Coach Ernesto's program. Why? because even before we joined the UCRaptors organization, i've heard a lot of good things about "RAPTORS".  I would have regretted it if i did not accepted Coach Ernesto's invitation. Otherwise Colin will not be playing the way he plays today..............Coach Ernesto treated him like his own son. He listened to him every single time and he respect's Coach Ernesto a lot and for me that is a good thing. We also like the parents who are in this team, they are very supportive to one another, they also care about other players not just their own kids and that is what you call a family. Colin as much as possible don't want to missed his practice sometimes even he is sick. He said he will get sicker if he don't come to practice.Once again i would like to invite other parents who are looking for an exceptional basketball program for your child, check our website www.UCRaptors.com and i will guarantee you will be amazed, excited and see how your kids will develop in playing the game"Basketball"

Thank you again and more "POWER"

Rey S