UPBasketball’s Initiative in Creating Space for Our Youth
2.5 Minute read
By: Andrea Aruino
UPBasketball’s Youth Charitable Foundation (UPBYCF) was created by founders Bianca and Packie Turner during fall 2020. The Turners are focused on highlighting the gaps that young athletes face in sports whether it be due to financial status, gender stereotypes, limited access to gyms/coaches, or more. Each event hosted through this foundation aims to provide for youth with fewer opportunities and young girls to enjoy basketball in a safe space that allows them to flourish on and off the court. UPB Youth Charitable Foundation focuses on building safe and supportive environments where young children can learn the value of hard work, positive leadership, getting outside of their comfort zone, and confidence.
“As much as we want to develop skills we really care about the kids and how they grow off the court. We offer scholarship opportunities to make sure that children don't miss out on additional skill development which I absolutely love,” Coach Veronica Barrot said.
In 2016, Bianca and Packie began by organizing basketball clinics for communities in California. As the UPBasketball team grows, each coach and staff member is dedicated to expanding opportunities that allow for growth. This foundation has built four pillars that spearhead each event including the value of hard work, positive leadership, leaving their comfort zone, and confidence.
UPBYCF has hosted a 3v3 Holiday Tournament in partnership with Good Tidings Foundation and the San Mateo Police Department as well as all-girls clinics and clinics at the YMCA this year. Every event has a mission whose purpose is to give back to the community beyond just basketball. The 3v3 Holiday Tournament required each attendant to simply bring a toy as registration which was then donated to young kids for the holidays. Similar to that, Coach V began creating themes for each all-girls clinic that are all based on girl power. This past Sunday’s theme was unstoppable and each session is different so that athletes are taught various skills from ball-handling to mental skills.
The most rewarding part of the UPBYCF has been the amount of athletes that have been reached through this program. Athletes that come join the foundation have shown dedication, excellence, and commitment to taking every opportunity they get to train and play.
“Seeing all the kids walk through our doors is always the most rewarding part especially when it's first timers. One of the girls who were in one of the all girls clinics just started doing private lessons with me. So being able to build connections through our clinics and bringing children together from all over the Bay Area is the most rewarding part,” Coach V said.
The UPBYCF is not only possible to our coaches, staff, and athletes but also through our donors who are just as much part of the journey as anyone involved. This foundation is built on a collective effort that welcomes anyone who wants to support and spread the mission. Check out the UPBCYF page to learn more or to donate. Support from the community has created opportunities for young athletes to discover their passion and direction in sports. This is something we hope to develop and build as the UPBasketball community continues to grow.
