Manhattan Basketball Association - 2021
The Breakfast Club Program experienced another successful year, with a record-breaking enrollment of 180 athletes across the two sessions. Notably, this year marked a significant change as the program partnered with MPRD (Municipal Parks and Recreation Department) to utilize their facilities, allowing for larger registration numbers. By collaborating with the city, the program gained access to a broader pool of athletes through the MPRD website and marketing, shifting away from traditional promotion methods through Facebook and word of mouth. The program catered to grades 1-6 students, providing daily ball-handling drills, footwork exercises, and skill development activities. One program director managed the program, supported by eight paid volunteers and over 20 high school volunteers.
The YES! Fund granted the program with funds to support program scholarships, equipment, and transportation. The Breakfast Club Program successfully awarded ten grants to athletes through the scholarship program. These funds played a crucial role in ensuring that students had the opportunity to participate at higher levels and attend local camps, even in smaller capacities.
Additionally, the program's first-ever 3-on-3 Clinic achieved resounding success, with maximum registration reached and waitlists of 10 participants per grade grouping. The funding received from the YES! Fund was instrumental in compensating the lead coach, acquiring practice jerseys for the 3-on-3 games, and providing trophies for the top male and female winners in each grade grouping. The program also benefited from the assistance of 10 volunteers from Manhattan High School who contributed their time and efforts without incurring additional expenses. Although there were intentions to offer an after-school 3-on-3 clinic this fall, closing the Boys and Girls Club facilities in the ARC and ERC made it impractical for the program. As an alternative, Monday night clinics have been organized.
The Breakfast Club Program expresses profound gratitude for the ongoing support extended to the organization. Amidst uncertainties surrounding local parks and recreation programs, the program considers itself fortunate to continue offering its programs to athletes within the community. The grants provided by the generous funding have been instrumental in facilitating these opportunities.