AID IN DEVELOPING AN AFRICAN LEADER

Playing Basketball makes me realize that doing my best does matter and that every practice is a victory, and that teaches me that every step whether small or big will bring me closer to my goals in life. Playing with TBA brings every Basketball play, whether losing or winning joy. I just don’t ever want to stop playing. TBA teaches me how to interact with other people and it also makes me stronger as a person  

Being a part of TBA has instilled a spirit of not giving up, the whole program is why I always try to find new and sustainable ways of making a living. I could have been a drug addict, robber, or I could be in Jail if it wasn't for TBA so in short, I say thank you.

It has been my sixth year as a puzzle for TBA and largely what the program means to me is being part of a bigger and better self. Diving in depth this would mean that the program was specifically designed or build from the ground up to bring about future leaders, entrepreneurs and successful youngsters while using basketball as a tool to avoid daily distractions in this new era where majority of the youth are utterly consumed in. From a personal perspective it enabled a character I hadn’t known existed, the ability to stay focused and disciplined to a set goal without supervision. It has taught me that with great teamwork comes success not only in basketball but further in life with regards to being able to build better programs, organization and more. Nonetheless it contributed to my health status as I was often sick growing up. To top it up TBA truly remains an eye opener towards realizing that young men and women can become more then what they are now regardless of everyone’s background or environment. Truly realizing for myself that it’s time to take the action now so we all have the same ability to instill the same vision towards the future youth.

TBA has helped me grow as an individual. In a sense that I’m physically healthy with all the exercises we do and that we are taught to on how to strategize both in and out of the game... TBA offers life skills which help me cope in my daily life... TBA has brought a sense of belonging. Being in the academy teaches responsibility and accountability toward others and the equipment we use…TBA helped me with my studies they offered tutoring classes. Being in the academy also implement discipline whether in the game(sportsmanship). TBA notifies us of opportunities in the community whether its school related(bursaries) or job opportunities... TBA helps me to keep away from streets where alcohol and drugs are affecting most teens... TBA emphasize on using our voice and it has helped me in many ways.

TBA contributed a lot to me…It improved my communication skills, it taught me teamwork and it improved my decision-making skills. This programme mostly improved me on how to manage my time and boosted my confidence. This program means a lot to me, my fitness & physical health and I want to experience more, learn more life lessons, and have fun through it/with it...

For the past few months that I have been part of this team, it has taught me a lot of things. Firstly, to always be comfortable being uncomfortable, this means pushing myself out of my comfort zone, so that I can be good at what I do. Secondly, discipline and commitment.in order to be great at what you do, you must love what you are doing. Taking every moment of your practice as though you were in the final game...Lastly, respecting each other, this means treating each other equally and always have a room for growth. That you can learn not only from your elders but also people who are younger than you.

TBA is home away from home. Basketball has taught me a lot apart from fitness and taking care of your physical health it taught me the value of teamwork, it taught me that without hard work and determination I won’t be able to succeed one day. Basketball has taught me mental stability too. TBA taught me so much I lost count of how many lessons they taught me to learn and master the fundamentals of the game and life. Being alert and aware of surroundings, to be prepared both mentally and physically. That sharing is caring and to never give up on the game regardless of the outcome. TBA means so much to me, without the programme I would've have been someone else. It has shaped me into the young female person I am today and for that I'm always thankful. 💪🏽 TBA has been there for me when I felt like no one was. TBA IS HOME.

I've thought of walking away from Basketball, but I can't. The programmes TBA offered to me as a student athlete helped me academically throughout my school journey. TBA isn't just a basketball academy but it's Family. The environment within TBA creates a safe, secure, and better space for me. It also a form of distraction from social evils. Conclusion TBA means a lot in all aspects namely academically, Mindset etc. It has shaped us as players to be intelligent and bold.

At TBA, what I’ve learnt is, Having each other’s back (cohesiveness) to grow each other. It’s more than just basketball it’s a family. Moreover I’ve learnt to approach situations from a different eye/perspective TBA encourages thinking outside the box and the importance of strategic planning and planning. Through TBA I’ve learnt to take ownership of whatever I have at hand.

Being part of TBA taught me to be a good team player, it also gave me opportunity to play with teams that I never played with before in my life which is a good thing because I'm getting exposed to playing with different people and getting more skills and it made me understand the benefits of teamwork. I also met people I've never known before and we became friends and family and for my teammates and I we are bonding as a team. Basketball keeps me active and TBA teaches me on how to improve my skills and work efficiently and I'm still working on it. Basketball added fun to my life and instead of sitting at home and going out and watching tv all the times I engage myself with basketball practices. It also helps me get my mind back on track if there is too much going on, on my mind because it's something I love doing the most. Basketball in general helped me build positive self-esteem.

TBA is where I've spent my whole basketball career, a place where I was nurtured to being not only the best athlete I can be but also a great presence in society. So to me TBA is home.