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At Freetown Jazz Academy, our mission is to empower young people in Sierra Leone through basketball, education, and community development. We are committed to providing high-quality coaching, mentorship, and life skills training that nurture discipline, teamwork, and leadership both on and off the court.
Through sports, we aim to create opportunities for growth, open pathways to education and careers, and inspire the next generation of athletes to become champions in character, academics, and service to their communities.Our vision is to see basketball become a driving force for positive change in Sierra Leone, creating opportunities for youth to thrive in sports, education, and life. We aspire to build a strong basketball culture that produces world-class athletes, empowers girls and boys equally, and unites communities through teamwork and excellence.
We envision Freetown Jazz Academy as a hub where talent is discovered, nurtured, and celebrated — inspiring the next generation to dream big, break barriers, and represent Sierra Leone proudly on the global stage.Freetown Jazz Academy was founded with the goal of using basketball as a tool to inspire, educate, and empower young people in Sierra Leone. What began as a small initiative to give youth a safe space to play and grow has developed into one of the country’s leading basketball programs.
Under the leadership of Coach Riski James, the academy has steadily expanded, fielding teams in the National League at Division 1 and Division 2 levels for men, as well as a women’s team. These milestones highlight our commitment to providing equal opportunities for both boys and girls in basketball. In October 2024, Freetown Jazz Academy made history by hosting the first international basketball game in Sierra Leone, welcoming D-Rockas Basketball Club Girls from Liberia to compete against the Freetown Jazz Queens. This landmark event showcased not only the talent within our academy but also Sierra Leone’s growing presence in the international basketball community. Today, Freetown Jazz Academy continues to grow as a symbol of discipline, teamwork, and community, creating a legacy that inspires the next generation of champions both on and off the court.Riski James — Founder and Director. (Short bio placeholder)
At Freetown Jazz Academy, our work is guided by values that shape how we train, compete, and live: Discipline – We believe success begins with self-control, hard work, and commitment both on and off the court. Teamwork – Basketball is a team sport, and we value unity, collaboration, and respect for one another as the foundation of greatness. Excellence – We challenge ourselves to perform at the highest level in every practice, game, and opportunity. Integrity – We uphold honesty, fairness, and strong moral principles in everything we do. Community – We are dedicated to giving back, building relationships, and using basketball as a force for positive change in Sierra Leone. Equality – We ensure that both boys and girls have equal opportunities to train, compete, and succeed. These values are not just principles we teach — they are the culture of Freetown Jazz Academy, shaping every player into a champion in sport and in life.