Y Stories • YMCA Youth Programs
Striving for Greatness: Basketball at Central YMCA
04 February 2016 - by Talía Noya
When our courts aren't being used for basketball programs, 90% of the time our members book them to play pick up. Can you tell we love basketball at the YMCA? Meet some of our talented players at Central Grosvenor St. YMCA - their dedication is inspiring!
Age: 11
Position: point guard – this position has taught Nigel about leadership and sportsmanship. He knows that to be a good player, he needs to take responsibility and not shy away from taking shots.
Inspiration: “All my friends like to play basketball and they’re always encouraging me to play.”
At the Y: Shane runs the basketball program Nigel is in. “Sometimes he would give us hard challenges. The only way to learn is to do them – that’s what he said.”
Age: 16
NBA idols: He loves Wiggins’ spin and how he plays in the paint. He wants to learn from everyone, from Shaquille to Jordan, so he can combine their skills to become a better player.
Motivation: His trainer Omar at the Y has helped him change up his game, “he’s like a father figure to me even though he might not know that.” He has taught him that to get ahead in life, you need to set goals, be disciplined, and stay positive.
At the Y: “The vibe of my YMCA, it’s really alive. Everyone there is always energetic. I think I’m there every single day. It’s like my second home; if I’m not at home I’m at the YMCA.”
Age: 13
NBA idol: “I always watch Kevin Durant. He’s quiet but when he plays he has an amazing shot. He can shoot under pressure and he’s actually a really good passer too. He knows where his teammates are.”
At the Y: Joaquin started volunteering at the Y last year to help children aged 3-7 learn basketball fundamentals. “All staff members are positive all the time. I’ve learned to always motivate the kids. I just wanted to help the community.” He coaches the little ones for 3 hours every Saturday.
Age: 16
Inspiration: He started watching his dad play basketball at the tender age of 3. He went to all of his league games; IC wanted to follow in his dad’s footsteps. IC doesn’t play with his father and his friends as much anymore because he is too fast for them!
NBA idol: Kobe Bryant. He loves how he led his team every single game even when he was young. He talks a lot, sets up his teammates, and gives them encouragement.
At the Y: IC goes to Central YMCA every Saturday for Teen Night where he’s made good friends there, like Richard. “Everyone comes together and whoever is there gets to play.”
If you'd like to join in on the basketball fun, come see us at Scarborough Town Centre Ct. YMCA for NBA BMO All-Star KidsFest on Friday, February 5. There is no shortage of basketball fans there!
[mks_icon icon="icon-social-dribbble" color="#dd3333" type="sl"] Nigel
Age: 11Position: point guard – this position has taught Nigel about leadership and sportsmanship. He knows that to be a good player, he needs to take responsibility and not shy away from taking shots.
Inspiration: “All my friends like to play basketball and they’re always encouraging me to play.”
At the Y: Shane runs the basketball program Nigel is in. “Sometimes he would give us hard challenges. The only way to learn is to do them – that’s what he said.”
Whenever new people are on the court, we try to teach them, and we help them and we make friends with them. Whoever is on the court is a friend to us.”
[mks_icon icon="icon-social-dribbble" color="#dd3333" type="sl"] Richard
Age: 16NBA idols: He loves Wiggins’ spin and how he plays in the paint. He wants to learn from everyone, from Shaquille to Jordan, so he can combine their skills to become a better player.
Motivation: His trainer Omar at the Y has helped him change up his game, “he’s like a father figure to me even though he might not know that.” He has taught him that to get ahead in life, you need to set goals, be disciplined, and stay positive.
At the Y: “The vibe of my YMCA, it’s really alive. Everyone there is always energetic. I think I’m there every single day. It’s like my second home; if I’m not at home I’m at the YMCA.”
Basketball has helped me be a better communicator, a better self-motivator, a better me. You learn how to respect yourself. You have to be patient, you have to figure out what you’re doing wrong, and you have to fix that. And in life you have to figure out what you’re doing wrong in relationships, family, and you’re going to have to fix that. The YMCA is about getting to know yourself.”
[mks_icon icon="icon-social-dribbble" color="#dd3333" type="sl"] Joaquin
Age: 13NBA idol: “I always watch Kevin Durant. He’s quiet but when he plays he has an amazing shot. He can shoot under pressure and he’s actually a really good passer too. He knows where his teammates are.”
At the Y: Joaquin started volunteering at the Y last year to help children aged 3-7 learn basketball fundamentals. “All staff members are positive all the time. I’ve learned to always motivate the kids. I just wanted to help the community.” He coaches the little ones for 3 hours every Saturday.
Every time I play, I get relaxed, I’m happy. No matter what is happening, I’m always happy. Every time I play basketball, it relieves me. I want to play upbeat, up tempo so when we’re on the court I can get everyone energized and hyped.”
[mks_icon icon="icon-social-dribbble" color="#dd3333" type="sl"] IC
Age: 16Inspiration: He started watching his dad play basketball at the tender age of 3. He went to all of his league games; IC wanted to follow in his dad’s footsteps. IC doesn’t play with his father and his friends as much anymore because he is too fast for them!
NBA idol: Kobe Bryant. He loves how he led his team every single game even when he was young. He talks a lot, sets up his teammates, and gives them encouragement.
At the Y: IC goes to Central YMCA every Saturday for Teen Night where he’s made good friends there, like Richard. “Everyone comes together and whoever is there gets to play.”
What makes a good basketball player? Leadership. Someone who is easy to talk to and disciplined – you have to listen to your coach. Also make sure that your team is on the right track and mindset.”
If you'd like to join in on the basketball fun, come see us at Scarborough Town Centre Ct. YMCA for NBA BMO All-Star KidsFest on Friday, February 5. There is no shortage of basketball fans there!
