Metroball Youth Outreach (501c3 non-profit organization) has been a very positive force in the lives of over 600 youths each year in Washington D.C. Since 2000. During the school year, we operate a positive After School Basketball Skills Camp/Fitness program at several public schools in the District. In addition, we coach/mentor our youth Basketball Teams (AAU) and travel around the country with them to various events to compete in front of recruiting college coaches. The highlight of our program is our very own annual Youth Streetball League, The New York Ave. Classic. This 10 week event is provided to reduce violence in the neighborhoods of Washington DC. The league runs from the middle of June through the middle of August each year.
Our programs have formed partnerships with police officers, city officials, neighborhood organizations, corporate sponsors, local school districts, community centers and Boys and Girls Clubs. Youth are led by trained instructors to focus on positive reinforcement, trust-building, and the achievement of goals, by engaging youth in one-on-one outing and group adventures in the community. Trainers and youth interact and meet between 10-15 hours per week for a full year.
Metroball currently has seven (7) comprehensive programs. They are as follows:
• After School Program (skills Clinic) – MYO reach many youths by operating an after-school skills clinic in middle schools in the city simultaneously throughout the year. Skill clinics help develops the youth’s knowledge, basic fundamentals, promotes team work, individual responsibility and improve their physical condition which helps reduce the risk of childhood obesity.
• Travel Teams (AAU) – The year round AAU Program (Metroball DC) continues to serve over 200 youths in the DC area. Through organized practices, mentoring, and life skills sessions, many of these youths have been able to complete their education in high school and receive basketball scholarships from universities and colleges throughout the country. Before entering this program, several of the participants were skipping school and have been involved criminal activity. The program offers a positive outlet that is desperately needed for them to express their frustrations and troubles. In addition, they enhance their basketball skills to the point that they are able to compete with some of the best youth athletes in the country. The travel basketball program enabled several neighborhood kids to compete in national basketball tournaments sanctioned by the NCAA. National competition allowed the youth participants to experience a wealth of opportunities beyond their current environment.
• College and Career Preparation (CCP Program) – This program provides participants with assistance in planning education and career paths that matches their skills and preferences. The transition from high school to college can be a tough one to navigate. Especially, for those who are the oldest child in a family or a first generation college student, which is the case with the majority of our participants. Our staff provides program participants with guidance on finding, applying, and paying for college. Youth participants are provided guidance to improve their academics, test scores (SAT/ACT), and assistance with registering with the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse (an organization that determines whether prospective college athletes are eligible to play sports at NCAA Division I or Division II institutions). The transition from a high school student to the workforce can also be a tough one to navigate. Especially, for those who live in a single parent household, living with grandparents or in foster care. Youth involved in this phase of the program learn how to fill out job applications, write a resume, job searching and preparing for interviews. Youths are counseled on appropriate language that should be used on job applications, resume and during the interview. Also, youths are educated on the proper attire that should be worn on interview. We provide youths with dress attire for graduations, ceremonies, job interviews and college orientations.
• Sport Journalism Program – This program allows youth to focus on all aspects of sports journalism. Practical hands-on experience prepares youths for positions as photographers, announcers, writers, researchers, videographers and editors. Youth record all MYO games, events, and galas. The emphasis of this program is on sports broadcasting (television and radio). Youth receive instruction in writing for print and online media. They also develop skills in interviewing, hosting, editing, shooting and researching. They learn to apply critical thinking skills and to differentiate sports journalists from sports fans.
• Annual Summer Basketball League – The “New York Avenue Classic” is largest youth streetball program in the city. It operates from June through August annually. Since established in 2000, this league has been able to ease tensions in the most troubled neighborhoods surrounding the New York Ave Playground in Washington DC. By allowing the youth from surrounding neighborhoods to interact with each other through competitive activity, the staff has been able to reduce violence and deviant behavior. MYO has been able to build upon the success of the annual event to help develop the Travel Basketball program. The violence in the neighborhood started to decrease as residents began to enjoy the programs.
For more information on Metroball or our programs, please email us at metroballdc@yahoo.com
