Registration now open for new Oakville basketball leadership program

Program runs February 15 to March 15 with weekend training in April

The Town of Oakville, in partnership with Halton Black Voices and the YMCA of Oakville, is offering Deep Roots: Basketball Leadership Program thanks to a $10,000 grant from the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association and $7,700 from Canadian Tire Jumpstart.

The program, open to Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour ages 13 to 17, begins on February 15 and takes place every Wednesday from 6:15 to 8 p.m. until March 15 at Glen Abbey Community Centre. Deep Roots has 30 spots open and 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 program 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.

For more details, including eligibility and registration, email Shannon Kaufman at shannonka@oakville.ymca.ca.

Quick Facts

• The town is developing its first inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility multi-year plan and is committed to providing accessible and equitable programs, services, and facilities to residents and employees.
• The town also offers a similar program, the Oakville Community Basketball League, which provides access to 60 youth in an eight-week basketball league and provides youth with the opportunity to be in leadership staff positions. The program hires youth staff/young adults so participants can see themselves reflected in leadership positions, develop mentorship opportunities, and sense of belonging that supports youth to reach their full potential.
• Canadian Tire Jumpstart was founded in 2005 and helps kids overcome financial and accessibility barriers to sport and recreation in an effort to provide inclusive play for kids of all abilities. Jumpstart funding helps develop and sustain sports and recreational programming.
• 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. It offers grants to community recreation sport programs, including ones that removing barriers and rebuilds and increases sport participation rates, particularly amongst Black, Indigenous, racially diverse, 2SLGBTQIA+, low-income and newcomer populations, as well as people living with disabilities.