Long Beach organizations have teamed up to offer basketball scholarships to support young athletes whose families need financial assistance.<\/p>\n
BBallers Hoops, a local basketball club, is offering these scholarships through its nonprofit Place to Play Foundation \u2014 and partnering with the Long Beach Action Partnership to make sure the sport is accessible to all interested in playing.<\/p>\n
The basketball club and organizations are working together to provide these scholarship opportunities and better support young athletes in reaching their full potential both on and off the court. The partnerships mark the next chapter in BBallers Hoops\u2019 journey to empower student-athletes through hoops and higher education, according to their website<\/a>, extending access, making an impact, and building futures beyond the game of basketball.<\/p>\n BBallers Hoops\u2019 mission is to empower youth to grow as athletes and individuals by developing their skills, confidence, and sportsmanship in a fun, supportive environment. Their vision is to build strong players and even stronger humans \u2013 ready to shine in basketball and beyond \u2013 officials said.<\/p>\n Offering these income-based scholarships is how the club strives to offer those opportunities to all Long Beach youth interested in playing.<\/p>\n Place to Play Foundation is the club\u2019s way of creating that impact for youth and the community.<\/p>\n The nonprofit, which was founded by the CEO\/founder of BBallers Hoops Gregory Smith, works to ensure that every child in Long Beach has a safe space to play, create and compete. Place to Play Foundation believes that access to sports and the arts is a right\u00a0 for every background and circumstance, according to its website,<\/a> and is dedicated to breaking down barriers to participation.<\/p>\n The Place to Play Scholarship is federally supported and funded by the Long Beach Community Action Partnership, according to the club\u2019s website, to help ensure fair access for all families. All applicants must verify their eligibility set by the Long Beach Community Action Partnership, the nonprofit community benefit organization.<\/p>\n Part of the Long Beach Community Action Partnership\u2019s mission is to help the community provide essential services, youth development, local partnerships, and advocacy.<\/p>\n The club is currently offering scholarships for two of its programs, BBallers Hoops School and Little Ballers Hot Shots. Scholarships are limited, officials said, and funds will support up to 10 players for each program.<\/p>\n Hoops School offers high-quality training in the fundamentals of basketball to girls and boys in the age groups of seven to nine and 10 to 12. The program focuses on teamwork, agility, and confidence while fostering a passion for fitness and personal growth.<\/p>\n Little Ballers is a year-round program that offers weekly sessions focused on core basketball skills for ages three to six. Through engaging drills, players develop coordination while learning skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting and defense.<\/p>\n