Lay-Up Youth Basketball

Lay-Up Youth Basketball is a Canadian nonprofit organization registered as a charity under the Business Registration Number 777096124RR0001. The organization is dedicated to providing cost-free, high-quality basketball programs for youth, primarily focusing on marginalized communities and Neighbourhood Improvement Areas within Toronto.

Mission and Vision

Lay-Up Youth Basketball aims to eliminate barriers that prevent youth from participating in basketball by offering inclusive, accessible programming regardless of skill level or economic background. The charity’s vision is to ensure every child interested in basketball can play, coach, or officiate without cost or distance being obstacles. Their mission centers on developing skills on the court as well as fostering personal growth and community engagement off the court, grounded in the culture of basketball.

Programs

The organization delivers year-round basketball programs targeting children and youth aged 6 to 14, with extensions up to age 29 in some offerings. Programming includes co-ed and girls-only options, emphasizing inclusivity and skill development. Programs are available throughout the school year and summer and are led by certified coaches maintaining a low coach-to-participant ratio of 1:7 to ensure quality attention and development.

Participants receive all necessary equipment and resources free of charge, including jerseys, water bottles, healthy snacks, and for female participants, sports bras and hijabs. The programming is evidence-based and integrates on-court basketball activities with off-court learning opportunities and cultural experiences tied to the sport.

Impact and Reach

Lay-Up currently operates in 10 neighborhoods across Toronto, serving over a thousand unique participants annually. The charity’s approach addresses both physical accessibility—by securing gym space—and cost barriers, making basketball programs freely available. Their work supports youth development through sport and aims to influence broader change across Toronto’s recreational sports landscape by advocating for cost-free gym access citywide.

Leadership and Support

The organization is led by a team of experienced professionals including an Executive Director, Head Coaches, and managers specializing in outreach, operations, partnerships, and development. Lay-Up Youth Basketball collaborates with community partners and supporters to sustain and grow its programming and impact.

This summary reflects Lay-Up Youth Basketball’s role as a community-focused nonprofit promoting inclusive sports participation and youth development in Toronto[1][3][4][5].