Basketball Clinic

The Lafayette College varsity basketball teams are preparing to host a free clinic and lunch for Youth Development United, an organization that removes barriers to participation in after-school and weekend opportunities for children challenged by socio-economic factors.

Larry Pear, men's basketball team manager and head of this project, shared his motivation:

"Ever since I was a child, I loved basketball. I would dream of playing in the NBA. When I would play in the alley behind my house I could hear the thousands of fans packed in the arena chanting my name as I hit the game-winning three at the buzzer. My experience showcased above is what every kid dreams about when they touch a basketball. Unfortunately, these same alleyways and basketball courts where I imagined my NBA dreams are also the same places where dreams physically die. These playgrounds and parks I grew up in became hot spots for gun violence. As a middle schooler, my friends and I remained hypervigilant of suspicious cars or individuals, even during intense basketball games, knowing that gun fire could erupt at any time.  

The unfortunate realities of maintaining extreme vigilance while playing a sport that is supposed to erase these feelings like basketball is a truth so many young individuals face. Denied the opportunities to freely play and shoot the basketball around, young children are being taught that if they want to play basketball they may be risking their safety. Moreover, many kids from areas of poverty find that indoor basketball gyms are inaccessible which leaves them with few choices during the bitter cold and hot summer months. 

Thus, it is vital together to provide spaces so all kids can have a space to run freely and exercise. Basketball gyms are a great fit for this as  children can develop the capacity to artistically express themselves through unique basketball maneuvers while working together to achieve a common goal. 

With that said, I would really appreciate it if you would consider donating to a basketball clinic I am hosting in partnership with Youth Development United on March 25. Here children of Greater Chester, PA, many of whom have been impacted by gun violence will have the space to play, exercise and learn the game of basketball from Division 1 basketball players from Lafayette College. Please consider donating so that we can secure essentials like transportation and water/snacks while providing each child a basketball and accessories to ensure each kid gets a chance to envision themselves hitting the step back three over Lebron to win the NBA finals." 

Alternate methods of contribution:

Donate time in a variety of ways described at https://cuys.org/donate

By Venmo: @CUYouthSoccer (Jeannine Anckaitis, Executive Director, is named as account holder but funds go into the organization’s bank account)

By Cash App: @$CUYS19013

Checks can be made payable to Chester Upland Youth Soccer and mailed to 311 East Baltimore Ave, Media, PA 19063

Thank you!