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 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.