North York, Ontario – September 8, 2026 – Afro Canadian Development Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of the EmpowerPlay 2026 Fall Cohort, the second cohort of its youth basketball coaching and mentorship initiative following the successful completion of the program’s Summer Cohort.
EmpowerPlay 2026 was created to provide young people with meaningful access to sport, physical activity, mentorship, leadership development and positive community engagement. Through structured basketball coaching and team-based activities, the program supports youth in developing not only athletic skills, but also confidence, communication, discipline, teamwork and leadership.
The successful completion of the Summer Cohort demonstrated the strong interest and need for accessible youth recreation and mentorship opportunities in the community. Participants took part in weekly basketball sessions while developing fundamental basketball skills, improving physical fitness and building positive relationships with their peers and coaches.
Following the completion of the Summer Cohort, Afro Canadian Development Inc. is now opening the next chapter of EmpowerPlay with a Fall Cohort, providing another opportunity for young participants to take part in a structured and supportive sports environment.
“The successful completion of our Summer Cohort showed us how much young people can gain when they are given access to safe, inclusive and meaningful opportunities,” said Emmanuel Animodi, Director of Afro Canadian Development Inc. “EmpowerPlay is about much more than basketball. It is about helping young people develop confidence, leadership, discipline, teamwork and a stronger sense of belonging. We are very excited to continue that work through our Fall Cohort.”
The Fall Cohort will continue to focus on the development of the whole participant through a combination of basketball instruction, physical activity, mentorship, teamwork and leadership activities. The program is designed for boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 18, with priority consideration for underserved youth, including youth from newcomer, immigrant, refugee, racialized and low-income families.
Program Details
- Program: “EmpowerPlay 2026 – Free 10-Week Basketball Coaching Program”
- Program Dates: September – November, 2026
- Schedule: Saturdays Only
- Time: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
- Venue: 📍 Madonna Catholic Secondary School, 20 Dubray Avenue, North York, ON M3K 1V5
- Eligibility: Boys & Girls Ages 10–18 Years Old
Participants will have opportunities to:
- Develop basketball fundamentals and game skills
- Improve physical fitness and coordination
- Strengthen communication and teamwork
- Develop confidence and leadership skills
- Build positive peer relationships
- Participate in mentorship and community engagement
- Develop healthy and positive approaches to recreation and personal growth
Creating Accessible Opportunities for Youth
Afro Canadian Development Inc. continues to recognize that financial and social barriers can prevent many young people from participating in organized sports and extracurricular activities. EmpowerPlay is designed to help reduce those barriers by creating accessible opportunities for youth to participate in organized basketball and mentorship in a safe and inclusive environment. The program also supports Afro Canadian Development Inc.’s broader commitment to youth empowerment, community inclusion, accessible recreation and positive development opportunities for marginalized and vulnerable communities.
“We are proud of what the young participants accomplished during the Summer Cohort, and we are excited to welcome a new group for the Fall,” said Emmanuel Animodi. “Every practice is an opportunity for a young person to learn something new, challenge themselves, support a teammate and become more confident. That is the impact we want EmpowerPlay to continue creating in our community.”
Free Registration for EmpowerPlay 2026 is now open.
👉 Join EmpowerPlay 2026 → Scan the QR Code or Click Here to Register Now
Contact Information
Afro Canadian Development Inc.
📍 1270 Finch Avenue West, Unit 18, North York, Ontario M3J 3J7
📧 info@afrocanadiandevelopment.org
🌐 www.afrocanadiandevelopment.org
📞 416-638-8525 | WhatsApp: 647-832-0393
About Afro Canadian Development Inc.
Afro Canadian Development Inc. is a community-based organization committed to advancing social, cultural, and economic opportunities for underserved communities through inclusive, innovative, and impact-driven programs.