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Our basketball activities:
At Freetown Jazz Academy, we believe the future of basketball in Sierra Leone starts with the youth. Our Youth Program is designed to introduce boys and girls to the fundamentals of basketball while building discipline, teamwork, and confidence from an early age.
Through structured training sessions, mentorship, and fun competitions, our young players learn more than just the game they develop life skills that prepare them for success both on and off the court. We welcome kids of all skill levels, from absolute beginners to those ready to take their first steps into competitive basketball. With guidance from our experienced coaches, we provide a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment where every child can dream big and grow. Our Youth Program has already produced talented players who have progressed into our academy’s senior teams, with some going on to represent Sierra Leone at national levels. Goals of the Youth Program: • Teach fundamental basketball skills in a fun and engaging way. • Build discipline, confidence, and leadership in young players. • Create opportunities for competition at local and national levels. • Prepare youth athletes to transition into academy teams and beyond. At Freetown Jazz Academy, the Youth Program is more than just training it’s about shaping the next generation of athletes, leaders, and role models. .The Teen Program at Freetown Jazz Academy is designed for young athletes who are ready to take their skills, discipline, and competitive spirit to the next level. This stage focuses on refining fundamentals, introducing advanced basketball concepts, and preparing players for league competitions and higher opportunities.
Our teens train in a structured environment that emphasizes both performance and personal growth. Beyond basketball, we instill values of leadership, resilience, and teamwork—qualities that empower our players not only on the court but in school and everyday life. Through regular training sessions, competitive games, and mentorship, the Teen Program bridges the gap between grassroots development and elite basketball. Many of our standout academy players, including those who have represented Sierra Leone nationally, came through this pathway. What the Teen Program Offers: • Advanced skill development and game understanding. • Exposure to national league competition and tournaments. • Fitness, strength, and conditioning programs. • Character building through discipline and leadership training. • Guidance for academic balance and life beyond basketball. At Freetown Jazz Academy, the Teen Program is where young athletes turn their passion into purpose preparing them for opportunities in national teams, scholarships, and professional basketball.At Freetown Jazz Academy, we believe in creating equal opportunities for both boys and girls to excel in basketball. Our Girls Program is dedicated to empowering young female athletes, giving them a platform to learn, compete, and grow in a supportive and inspiring environment.
We started with five trailblazing players Fatish Jalloh, Esther Sannoh, Beatrice Greene, Blessing Bangura, and Salamatu Kamara who opened the door for girls’ basketball in our academy. Today, that legacy has grown into a strong and competitive program with women’s teams at Division 1, 2 & 3 levels, as well as grassroots development for younger girls. The Girls Program focuses on building confidence, skill, and resilience while breaking barriers and changing the narrative around women in sports in Sierra Leone. What the Girls Program Offers: • Fundamental and advanced basketball training for all age groups. • Competitive opportunities in the National League and tournaments. • Mentorship and leadership development for young women. • A safe, supportive space that encourages teamwork, discipline, and growth. • Pathways to higher education, national team representation, and international exposure. At Freetown Jazz Academy, the Girls Program is more than just basketball it’s about empowering the next generation of women leaders, athletes, and role models.At Freetown Jazz Academy, we believe basketball is more than just a game it is a tool to prepare young people for life. Through our Life Skills Program, we equip players with the knowledge, values, and confidence they need to succeed on and off the court.
The program combines basketball training with workshops, mentorship, and community engagement, ensuring our athletes grow into responsible leaders and role models in society. Focus Areas of the Life Skills Program: • Discipline & Time Management Teaching players how to balance school, sports, and personal life. • Leadership Development Building confidence, communication, and decision-making skills. • Teamwork & Collaboration Learning how to work with others, respect diversity, and achieve common goals. • Health & Wellness Encouraging fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being. • Education & Career Guidance Helping players connect sports with academic and career opportunities. • Community Service Instilling a culture of giving back and being positive change makers. By combining sports with life lessons, we help our players grow into well rounded individuals who can succeed anywhere in school, in their careers, and in their communities. At Freetown Jazz Academy, we don’t just build athletes we build leaders for life.