5 Things You Need to Know About the Drive For Dreams Foundation

January 29, 2015

1. Who We Are

Drive for Dreams is a non-for-profit organization which seeks to provide life-long opportunities to at risk youth, using basketball as a way to engage talented and deserving kids from Toronto and the GTA.

2. Our History

The Basketball Club, was established in 2002 by Kerreigh Ernst and the current Ryerson University Head Coach, Roy Rana. The program was supported by Young Street Mission in the heart of Toronto’s Regent Park. The club has since evolved and re-branded as the Northern Kings, part of the larger parent organization King Nation Basketball.

King Nation Basketball is led by former Team Canada Captain, Vidal Massiah. It provides basketball programs for boys and girls ages 5-19 through the The Northern Monarchs (girls), Northern Kings (boys), Northern Knights (development team) and the Hoop Factory (player development).

3. What We Do

The Drive for Dreams Foundation was formed to provide a pathway for young men and women to pursue post secondary educational opportunities through basketball, more specifically basketball scholarships. The program also serves as a platform for young and emerging coaches to develop key relationships and ties in the coaching world, as well as in-game experience as a coach. To date, over 65 athletes have received athletic scholarships to American Universities (NCAA) or moved on to Canadian Universities (CIS) through our program, including 10 more athletes following another successful summer in 2014.

4. Our Philosophy

All members of the Drive for Dreams family are required to subscribe to the following 6 principles:

  • Education is the first priority
  • The player comes first
  • Life skills are as important as basketball skills
  • Leadership and good attitude can be learned
  • High ethical standards for coaches, administrators and players
  • Good governance, including transparency

5. Our Goals

In the future, Drive For Dreams will look to identify, engage and support other basketball initiatives that develop positive role models and communities, but lack infrastructure and/or funding. With basketball being the fastest growing sport in Canada, there will be a need and place for other organizations seeking help to turn to for support and direction.

Register today to play in the Bay Street Hoops basketball tournament to help support Drive for Dreams.

If you have any questions about the Drive for Dreams Foundation, please send us an email at info@drivefordreamsfoundation.com.

Author: Vidal Massiah
Director – King Nation Basketball