New youth basketball leadership program hits court in Oakville

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Published February 14, 2023 at 10:33 am

Registration is now open for a new Oakville basketball leadership program which runs February 15 to March 15 at the Glen Abbey Community Centre. PEXELS PHOTO

A new basketball program aimed at providing leadership training and developing skills for young Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour is all set to hit the court in Oakville.

The Deep Roots: Basketball Leadership Program tips off Wednesday (Feb. 15) at the Glen Abbey Community Centre and is open to kids ages 13 to 17.

The Town of Oakville basketball program, done in partnership with Halton Black Voices and the YMCA of Oakville, is the result of $10,000 grant from the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association and $7,700 from Canadian Tire Jumpstart.

Deep Roots provides leadership training and the opportunity to learn about mental health, sports and racialized stigma, health and wellness, career exploration, and being advocates for positive change.

“Youth who would otherwise experience barriers in accessing training and certifications will have the opportunity to grow their love of playing sports, develop their leadership skills and learn about themselves and the community where they belong,” the Town of Oakville said in a media release.

The program, which has 30 spots, also offers certifications to eligible participants including National Coaching Level 1 Certifications, First Aid, and High Five Principles of Healthy Child Development at no cost with weekend training courses offered in April 2023 at YMCA of Oakville.

Registration is now open for the program which tips off every Wednesday from 6:15 to 8 p.m. and runs until March 15 at Glen Abbey Community Centre.

For more details, including eligibility and registration, email Shannon Kaufman at [email protected].

Canadian Tire Jumpstart helps kids overcome financial and accessibility barriers to sport and recreation in an effort to provide inclusive play for kids of all abilities.

The Canadian Parks and Recreation Association is a national organization dedicated to realizing the full potential of parks and recreation as a major contributor to community health and vibrancy.

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