Girls Friday Night Lights: Flexible Game Options for Girls Basketball Teams in Gwinnett, Forsyth and Surrounding Counties.

1 day ago
3 min read

Girls basketball teams in northeast Atlanta metro area now have a fresh way to schedule games that fits their busy lives. The new Friday Night Lights program from Swish Atlanta offers teams the chance to buy individual games instead of committing to a full season. This flexibility helps teams manage their schedules, budgets, and player availability more easily. Plus, every game is officiated by GHSA certified officials, ensuring fair play and quality competition.

How Friday Night Lights Works

The Friday Night Lights program lets girls basketball teams purchase games one at a time. This means teams can:

Schedule games only when they have enough players ready
Avoid paying for a full season if they want to try out the program first
Mix and match opponents based on skill level or location
Adjust their game calendar as the season progresses

Games rotate between three main locations:

Central Park Recreation Center in Cumming
Fowler Park Recreation Center in Cumming
Old Atlanta Park Recreation Center in Suwanee

More locations will be added soon to expand access and convenience.

Benefits for Teams and Players

This program offers several advantages for teams, coaches, and players and families:

Flexibility in Scheduling

Teams no longer need to commit to a rigid schedule months in advance. If a team faces injuries, school conflicts, or other challenges, they can simply skip a week and return when ready.

Certified Officiating

All games are overseen by GHSA certified officials from Georgia Officials, LLC. Should referees show an unwillingness to run the floor, maintain control of the games and keep everyone safe, we'll inform the scheduler to never send them back.

Access to Quality Facilities

The recreation centers hosting games provide safe, well-maintained courts with seating for spectators. These venues create a positive atmosphere for players and families alike.

Cost Control

By purchasing games individually, teams can better manage their budgets. This is especially helpful for smaller programs or those new to competitive basketball.

What Coaches/Teams Should Know

Coaches interested in Friday Night Lights should consider these points:

Booking games: Teams can schedule games by contacting the program coordinator for availability.
Game times: Most games take place on Friday evenings. Tip-off times are 6 PM, 7 PM, 8 PM and 9 PM.
Team size: Maximum of 15 players per roster. Must be prepared to certify eligibility of players.
Game length and rules: 20 minute running-clock halves, stop last two minutes each half, two time-outs per half.
Clock & Book: One volunteer is required from each team. Home team runs the clock and visitors keep the book.
Team Fees: $60 per game or $500 for a 10 game season. March 13th through May 22nd, 2026.
Admission: Gate fees are $10 per adult and $5 for students

Expanding Opportunities in the Community

Friday Night Lights is more than just a scheduling option. It reflects a growing effort to support girls basketball in our area. By offering flexible, affordable, and well-officiated games, the program encourages more girls to participate and stay engaged in the sport.

The addition of new locations will make it easier for teams across Forsyth, Gwinnett and surrounding counties to join. This expansion means more players can experience competitive basketball close to home.

Final Thoughts

Friday Night Lights offers a practical solution for girls basketball teams looking for flexible, affordable, and well-run games in Cumming and Suwanee. By allowing teams to buy individual games, the program adapts to the realities of youth sports schedules and budgets. Certified officials and quality venues ensure every game is a positive experience for players and coaches. Space is VERY limited. For More Info & Registration: Bill Formella bformella@swishatlanta.com

770-995-0198