A New Hub for Youth Basketball in Brooklyn
Brooklyn Basketball, a youth outreach program, now serves over 200 schools and tens of thousands of students each year, thanks to collaborations with the New York City Department of Education and a growing network of community sites.
The initiative’s training center, situated just across the street from Barclays Center, hosts camps, clinics, after‑school sessions and all‑girls basketball classes, extending the program’s reach into community centers, YMCAs and specialty programs for students with disabilities.
A Constraints‑Led Approach to Play
Guided by a constraints‑led methodology, coaches present basketball concepts through games and movement‑based activities that adapt to each learner’s starting point, ensuring that fun and accessibility remain at the forefront.
Program founder and head coach Michael Collins, who brings nearly two decades of coaching experience, emphasizes that the goal is to build confidence, teamwork and resilience while deepening Brooklyn’s connection to its professional basketball identity.
The program operates five days a week, adjusting its schedule to fit the varied rhythms of school calendars, and is supported by its parent company, Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment, which provides additional resources and venue access.