Ballers League

EJ Ballers

Etienne Jacquet is the visionary and passionate founder behind the highly successful youth basketball program, “EJ Ballers.” With a deep-rooted love for basketball and a desire to empower young athletes, Etienne has dedicated his life to shaping the future of aspiring basketball players in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and the Gatineau-Ottawa region.

Raised in the heart of Ontario, Etienne recognized the need for a platform that not only nurtured young talent but also instilled values of discipline, teamwork, and leadership. In 2020, he took the leap and founded “EJ Ballers” with an unwavering commitment to providing opportunities for local youth to explore their basketball potential. Under Etienne’s leadership, “EJ Ballers” has flourished into a prominent youth basketball program. The program serves as a catalyst for young athletes to develop their skills, foster a strong work ethic, and build character on and off the court. With a coaching style that emphasizes both athletic excellence and personal growth, Etienne has garnered a loyal following of parents and players who admire his dedication to the sport and the community.

EJ Ballers’ impact extends beyond the basketball court. Etienne understands the importance of education and holistic development. The program encourages academic excellence, and he has established mentorship opportunities for young athletes, creating a well-rounded approach to personal growth.
Etienne believes in the power of sports to unite communities and inspire young minds. His tireless efforts have not only shaped the futures of countless youth but have also strengthened the basketball community in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and the Gatineau-Ottawa region. With his unwavering dedication, “EJ Ballers” continues to be a symbol of hope for young basketball enthusiasts, instilling the values of teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship while nurturing the next generation of basketball stars.
In addition to his work with “EJ Ballers,” Etienne Jacquet will be in Camrose, Alberta, coaching the Augustana Vikings, bringing his passion and expertise to collegiate basketball.

EJ Ballers’ Basketball Plan

EJBallers offers each group a 60-minute weekly basketball game, focused on enjoying the game and learning through play. Kids will receive a Ballers t-shirt and prizes will be given to the winning team as well as various MVP awards.

Session Location:

University of Alberta Augustana Campus Gym
4901-46 Avenue
Camrose, Alberta, Canada T4V 2R3

 

The registration cost for Boys and Girls Grades 5-8 ($200.00 )

The registration cost Boys Grades 9-12 ($200.00 )

Age Groups & Game Times:

🏀 Sunday 11:00 a.m (Boys and Girls, Grade 5-8 )

🏀 Sunday Noon (Boys, Grade 9-12)

Season Dates:

(September 8th to November 24th)

Registration:

Click on the register link to have your kids be part of the program.

See you all soon!

EJ Ballers Fall 2022

Busy fall of 2022 for EJ Ballers of Sault Ste Marie. EJ Ballers will offer three basketball programs in the fall of 2022 with EJ Ballers Travel Basketball U17 and U16 teams, Group Development Boys and Girls Programs for age groups of grade 3 – 8 and Elite Basketball Development sessions for grades 9 – 12.  Register today http://www.ejballers.com.

EJ Ballers Travel Basketball U17 and U16
The 2022 EJ Ballers Travel Basketball U17 and U16 teams are devoted to developing the skills of individual players with the collective goal of team success.

All practices are local and the team will participate in out-of-town tournaments.

EJ Ballers Elite basketball plan is for the groups to have two 90 minutes sessions per week of basketball development and fun playing the game.

This will take place at the George Leach Centre.

The registration cost will be Boys Grade 9-11 ($400.00) fundraising included.

ELITE AGE GROUP DEVELOPMENT
EJ Ballers has officially released its fall schedule for our 2022 EJ Ballers Elite Basketball Development sessions.

🏀 Tuesday  7:00 p.m (Boys Grade 9-12)

🏀 Thursday 7:00 p.m (Boys Grade 9-12)

(September 6th to November 3rd – $400.00 fundraising included)

Please arrive 10 minutes early to sign in.

GROUP DEVELOPMENT (FALL 2022) BOYS AND GIRLS GRADE 3-8

EJBallers’ basketball plan is for the groups to have two 90 minutes sessions per week of basketball development and fun playing the game.

These sessions will take place at the George Leach Centre.

The registration cost will be Boys and Girls Grade 3-8 ($300.00).

EJ Ballers has officially released its 2022 Fall schedule for its EJ Ballers Basketball Development sessions.

🏀 Monday 7:00 p.m (Boys and Girls Grade 3-8)

🏀 Wednesday  7:00 p.m (Boys and Girls Grade 3-8)

(September 6th to November 3rd)

Please arrive 10 minutes early to sign in.

For more information email info@ejballers.com.

July Day Camps, July 4 to 8, 2022

REGISTER TODAY for our EJ Ballers basketball camps are for the groups to have a week of basketball development and fun playing the game.
July Day Camp
These sessions will take place in the George Leach Centre gym.
The registration cost will be $140.00.
Dates (July 4, 2022, to July 8, 2022)
Age Groups and Times
🏀 Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m (Boys/Girls Grades 1-8)
🏀 Monday to Friday 1:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m (Boys Grades 9-12)
For more information email info@ejballers.com.

EJ Baller Development Camp Spring Registration Open

EJ Ballers will be running their basketball camp for kids in grades 5-8 & boys 9-12 with a possible tentative camp for kids in grades 1-4 at the George Leach Centre on the campus of Algoma University in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario from February 22 – April 29.

The EJ Ballers program is designed to teach and build on the fundamental skills of basketball in a positive environment. Fundamentals such as dribbling, passing, shooting & more advanced skills such as, attacking the defense, breaking down your man, decision making, scoring, and individual & team defense. EJ Ballers campers are sure to elevate their game, as well as develop a love for basketball through many fun skills & drills, and competitions.

The registration cost will be $300.00.

Age Groups
Monday and Wednesday 7:30 – 9:00 p.m (Grades 5-8)
Tuesday and Thursday 7:30 p.m – 9:00 p.m (Grades 9-12)

Tentative
(Grades 1-4) Register and group will be created (Boys/Girls Welcomed)!

Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to sign in.

Let’s have fun playing basketball!

REGISTER NOW

EJ Ballers Partners with Indian Friendship Centre of Sault Ste Marie

The Indian Friendship Centre (IFC) and EJ Ballers on Friday, November 13th announced a new partnership. This partnership is for all who love the game, want to have fun, meet friends, work hard, and grow as a player and person, you have come to the right place!

This partnership focuses our attention equally on the naturally talented kids and the beginners who are interested in learning how to complete a layup.

The Sault Ste. Marie Indian Friendship Center (SSMIFC) works as a collaborative partner with other Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations in SSM. The SSMIFC has been the leading social service agency for urban Indigenous people in Baawating (Sault Ste. Marie) for over 45 years. The Indigenous Sports Inclusion project, funded by Sports Canada, is meant to provide leadership and basic sport skills development to youth and adults in SSM.

“EJ Ballers is proud to partner with Indian friendship center as we believe in building relationships within the indigenous community. I personally dream of having everyone included in the community and by using my platform I the opportunity to connect everyone with basketball. Having the ability to teach the game of basketball to young kids is beneficial for us,” said coach Etienne (EJ) Jacquet.

EJ Ballers energy is endless. For years, Etienne Jacquet has been fortunate to work with youth and have changed many lives both on and off the court. Kids continue to surprise and inspire us every time we hit the hardcourt!

Our team of experienced coaches are passionate about raising the bar of basketball in our province, country and within our own program everyday. EJ Ballers believes in a hands-on approach to learning and teaching of the game of basketball.

“We can use basketball as a tool to develop young minds and life skill sets. I want to provide an opportunity for all youth to participate in activities that bring positive reinforcement. I believe a true sense of accomplishment is felt when kids learn a skill and EJ Ballers looks to teach life and basketball skills in a positive environment,” added coach EJ.

“We are trying to create more opportunities for the urban Indigenous community to access sports. SSMIFC is partnering with Algoma University’s men’s head basketball coach Etienne Jacquet (EJ Ballers) to deliver a free four session basketball camp to youth and adults in the area. Given Etienne’s coaching experience, charisma, and care for community, the SSMIFC is happy to partner to deliver this basketball camp. Participants will learn new skills and gain confidence in the sport, all while having the opportunity to make new friendships,” added IFC Katrina Francella.

Algoma University Thunderbirds welcomes diversity and we are happy to be facilitating this camp here at the George Leach Centre. Camp details are as follows:

  • Saturday, November 21st
  • Saturday, November 28th
  • Saturday, December 5th
  • Saturday, December 12th

Ages 8 – 11 (5:00 p.m – 5:50 p.m)
Ages 13 – 15 (4:00 p.m – 4:50pm)
Ages 16 – 21 (6:00 p.m – 6:50 p.m)
Ages 22 – 45+ (7:00 p.m – 7:50 p.m)

To register, contact Katrina (SSMIFC Sports Development Coordinator) at (705) 297 – 2489 or email her at sports@ssmifc.ca.

EJ Ballers Partners with Indian Friendship Centre to Teach Basketball to Clients

Jay Houslander from Saultsports.com caught up with coach EJ from EJ Ballers and Katrina Francella (Sports Coordinator) for the Indian Friendship Centre to discuss Katrina’s initiative to partner with EJ Ballers to introduce basketball to their clients at the Indian Friendship Centre.

TruHous Media Jumps on Board to Help with EJ Ballers Registration

EJ Ballers has recently announced that Jay and Kerilyn Trudel – Houslander of TruHous Media has jumped on board with a sponsorship to help cover the cost of registration to bring the cost down to $300.00 per camper for their EJ BALLERS Development camp starting on September 21st with coach Etienne Jacquet at the helm.

“I would like to take the time to thank TruHous Media for helping create a media structure for EJ Ballers. With this company’s expertise we were able to develop a website, a pamphlet, and the ability to convey our message out there for all to see. With TruHous media I was able to develop a business that I believe could cater to the kids in Sault Ste Marie,” said Etienne.

TruHous Media is a full-service streaming and media production company that creates online series, feature shows, documentaries commercials, corporate media promotions, podcasts, custom productions and social media promotions for clients across Ontario.

“We’re very fortunate to help with EJ BALLERS registration sponsorship and support from some very good friends and our partners,” said TruHous Media owner Jay Houslander.

As a level 3 certified coach, “Etienne strives to teach young basketball players the values they need to succeed on a personal level. Etienne takes the time to help all individuals in the program adopt the right habits to improve their academic goals and social interactions. With his role as a transformational coach within the EJ BALLERS program is essential. Coach Jacquet builds deep relationship with young players as he becomes a mentor on and off the basketball court,” Kerilyn and Jay decided to partner with EJ BALLERS because we totally align our belief in what Etienne and EJ BALLERS is offering the youth of Sault Ste Marie and Algoma.

“TruHous Media believes in the EJ Ballers vision for the kids and the community. This awesome media company has offered a sponsorship to help kids participate in basketball development. I am happy to see members of the community come in support kids and help them stay active. EJ Ballers will in turn pass these savings on to the kids. This means that we will be able to offer the camp at $300 a camper,” added coach EJ.

Thank you TruHous Media.

Companies who would like to sponsor kids and help them stay active and enjoy basketball please do not hesitate to contact EJ Ballers so all can enjoy this game in a safe environment.

Email us for more information: info@ejballers.com.

Etienne Jacquet
CEO EJ Ballers