BASKETBALL OR NOTHING

Over the School holidays, I work as a Volunteer Basketball Coach in an economically disadvantaged neighborhood where I engage with kids between 8 - 18 years.

On a daily basis, I work with about 20 pre-teens and 30 teenagers in a small school called Middle South Junior School.

In an area well known for vices such as drugs, crime, teenage pregnancies, domestic violence, Basketball provides an escape for these kids.

Practice starts a 1 pm but as early as 11 am, we have kids waiting for practice to begin.

Practice ends at 6 pm, but as late as 7.30 pm, we still have kids begging for 30 more minutes of practice.

These kids love basketball and many willingly tell you if it were not for basketball practice, they don't know what they would be doing.

I am really excited to be a part of a program where kids are kept safe and clean from negative influences around them.

Honestly, the program is great and I'm looking forward to the holidays. I would want to make the program better this year.

I want the players to travel and play other community teams, I want basketball to open up the world view for the young players. I want to reward players that have been working hard in school and on the court. I want the few weeks the kids are at home to be life changing.

As much as I would want the above for my players, finances are a huge challenge. Some of the players walk for long distances to make practice, some come for practice empty stomachs, some lack playing shoes and other necessities.

With you assistance, I can make the holidays training camps better for these kids.

I want to raise 1000 dollars to buy some bananas for the kids and a cup of juice after practice. Buy some shoes to those that don't have and buy rewards for the players that are showing improvement in school and on the court.

Funds will also be used to cater for our travel expenses when we go to play other visiting teams. Any left over money can be used to purchase Uniforms for the kids.

Any help offered, financial or otherwise will be highly appreciated.