Deep Roots Basketball, a program by Halton Black Voices, fosters leadership, community, and personal growth through sport. Offering free after-school sessions, it provides a safe, inclusive space for youth to connect, develop skills, and break barriers.
Deep Roots Basketball is a community-driven program by Halton Black Voices designed to empower and uplift Black youth through the game of basketball. More than just a sports initiative, Deep Roots Basketball fosters leadership, teamwork, and personal growth, creating a safe and inclusive space for young athletes to develop their skills both on and off the court.
With a focus on mentorship, cultural empowerment, and holistic development, the program provides expert coaching, skill-building sessions, and opportunities for community engagement. Through basketball, participants build confidence, discipline, and a strong sense of identity, ensuring they are equipped to succeed not only in sports but in all aspects of life.
Deep Roots Basketball Leadership Programs offer complimentary after-school sessions from 6:00 to 10:00 PM in various Halton Region recreation spaces, providing a nurturing and inclusive atmosphere for young Black individuals. These programs facilitate year-round gatherings, fostering a sense of community and belonging among diverse youth from local schools and the wider community. Participants enjoy sports and leisure activities, enriching their social connections and personal growth in a secure and supportive setting.
Deep Roots aims to instill leadership qualities in youth and break down the stigma associated with race and mental health. Participants are encouraged to become advocates for positive change within their communities. The program especially seeks to support youth who might otherwise be marginalized due to financial or cultural barriers.
Eligible participants can also receive National Coaching Level 1, First Aid, and High Five Principles of Healthy Child Development certifications for free through weekend courses in April, offered by the YMCA of Oakville.
Halton Black Voices is proud to partner with Jumpstart to create opportunities where girls can play, grow, and thrive.
The issue is urgent. The Rally Report: Encouraging Action to Improve Sport for Women and Girls (Canadian Women & Sport) reveals that by late adolescence, 1 in 3 girls drop out of sport—compared to only 1 in 10 boys. Even more striking, as many as 62% of Canadian girls aren’t playing sport at all by their teen years
Through programs like our Deep Roots Basketball & Leadership Program, led by female coaches and supported by Jumpstart, we’re creating inclusive, empowering spaces that help keep girls engaged in sport and connected to their communities.
Read the full Rally Report and join us in keeping girls in the game:
Rally Report – Encouraging Action to Improve Sport for Women and Girls
Location: St. Dominic Catholic Elementary School (Oakville)
Time: 6:00 PM
Dates: Every Wednesday, September 17, 2025 – March 4, 2026
Free Drop in Basketball Run + Scrimmages
Ages 7+
All skill levels welcome
*Bring a ball, water, and your shoes
“Deep Roots aims to instill leadership qualities in youths and break down the stigma associated with race and mental health. Kids will also be taught to advocate for a positive change”
Email us: deeproots@haltonblackvoices.ca
Supported by:
