Building Confidence, Teamwork and Life Skills Through Sport
The Boys & Basketball Programme at Diverse Youth NI is a dedicated youth-work initiative that uses sport as a powerful tool for personal development, wellbeing and positive identity-building. Aimed at boys aged 10 to 18, the programme blends basketball training with youth work principles to create a supportive environment where young people can stay active, build friendships and grow in confidence.
Basketball becomes much more than a game – it becomes a pathway for leadership, connection and belonging.
What Is Boys & Basketball?
Boys & Basketball is a structured weekly programme designed to:
Encourage physical activity and healthy lifestyle habits
Reduce isolation and create safe, male-positive spaces
Strengthen teamwork, discipline and communication skills
Build resilience, confidence and emotional wellbeing
Promote positive role-modelling and peer relationships
Offer boys a constructive outlet after school
Provide a culturally inclusive environment where every young person feels valued
Sessions are delivered by youth workers and trained coaches who understand both the sport and the needs of young people from diverse backgrounds.
Who the Programme Supports
The programme is open to:
Boys aged 10 to 18
Young people from minority ethnic, newcomer and multicultural backgrounds
Those who enjoy sports or want to try something new
Young people needing structured, safe environments after school
Boys looking to build confidence, friendships and a positive male identity
Participants who benefit from physical activity to support wellbeing
Whether a young person is experienced or completely new to basketball, the programme welcomes all skill levels.
What Happens in Boys & Basketball
Basketball Skills & Training
Weekly coaching sessions that build skills such as dribbling, shooting, defending, ball-handling, strategy and fitness.
Teamwork & Collaboration
Group drills, team challenges and friendly matches help boys learn cooperation, trust and communication.
Youth-Led Workshops
Short youth-work sessions on identity, respect, emotional wellbeing, leadership and confidence.
Mentorship & Positive Role Models
Coaches and youth workers create safe male spaces that promote respect, discipline and positive behaviour.
Cross-Community Engagement
Sessions bring together boys from different cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds, fostering understanding and new friendships.
Tournaments & Celebration Events
Internal competitions, friendly matches with partner groups and end-of-term celebration days help recognise progress and effort.
Our Youth Work Approach
The Boys & Basketball programme is built on key youth-work values that strengthen young people both on and off the court:
Inclusion: A culturally sensitive space where every boy is welcomed.
Safety: Strong safeguarding, clear boundaries and supportive coaching.
Holistic Development: Focus on physical health, emotional wellbeing and social confidence.
Positive Masculinity: Encouraging respect, empathy, self-control and leadership.
Participation: Boys help shape the sessions, rules and activities.
Relationship Building: Trust and connection between youth workers, coaches and participants.
Basketball becomes a framework to teach discipline, respect, teamwork and personal responsibility.
Why Boys & Basketball Matters
Participants often experience:
Higher confidence and self-esteem
Better emotional regulation and stress relief
Stronger friendships and peer support
Improved teamwork and communication
A sense of belonging and positive identity
Better physical health and routine
Greater engagement with youth work and community activities
For many families, the programme provides a safe, structured space where boys can thrive physically and socially.
How to Join
Parents, guardians or young people can contact our team to register.
- Email: info@diverseyouthni.com
Sessions run weekly.