The Net Blazers Basketball Club continued its fifth anniversary celebrations by presenting sports equipment to clubs and sporting organisations from communities across the island.
The ceremony, held at Olympic House in La Clery, built on the momentum of a recent coaching clinic in Laborie and the successful launch of the “Bringing Buckets Home” programme.
In keeping with this spirit of growth, the organisation also unveiled significant plans for the remainder of the year.
Reflecting on the club’s journey, President and Founder Mia George recalled its origins in 2020. The club was born when a group of coaches and enthusiasts hosted a basketball camp exclusively for girls.
There were 30 participants. At the time, she noted, the vision was simple but powerful: to create a safe space for young girls to learn, play, and grow through basketball.
“We wanted to give them an opportunity that many of us wished we had when we were younger,” she said. “Since then, the journey has been nothing short of incredible. In five years, we have built something that has touched lives both on and off the basketball court. Through our training sessions and camps, young people have sharpened their skills while also learning teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. We expanded into educational initiatives such as first aid and AED training and leadership workshops, ensuring our youth are prepared not only as athletes but also as leaders.
“We have created pathways for growth, creating opportunities for young people to attempt the pursuit of higher education. Net Blazers has grown into Saint Lucia’s largest grassroots basketball programme, offering a safe space for boys and girls to play and develop their love for the sport. Just as importantly, we have remained committed to our communities through volunteer projects, mentorship, and give-back initiatives that strengthen the families and neighbourhoods we serve.”
Along the way, Net Blazers launched their flagship programme, Bringing Buckets Home, which nurtured over 100 kids from seven primary schools in its inaugural year. The initiative was designed to introduce young people to basketball while instilling values of leadership, teamwork and discipline.
On Wednesday, Net Blazers handed equipment to the Saint Lucia Basketball Federation, East Coast Academy, Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, the Entrepot Secondary School, the Soufriere Kings, West Coast Academy, and Ali’D’s Fitness.
“Basketball is about sharing: sharing the ball, sharing the court, and sharing opportunities,” George said. “By putting these basketballs into the hands of other young players across the island, we are strengthening the game itself. When more clubs have the tools to play, we all grow together.
“These basketballs represent more than just equipment. They represent access, possibility and the start of new journeys. A ball in the hands of a child can spark confidence, discipline and dreams that reach far beyond the court. Our hope is that, through this small act of giving, other clubs and communities will be able to inspire and nurture the next generation of players, leaders, and change-makers.”
Looking forward, the club announced several initiatives, including expansion into Laborie under the leadership of Net Blazers’ secretary Ramani Lewis, a coaches clinic in September to build capacity and ensure sustainable programme growth, and support for more school-based programmes and tournaments to expand access to basketball islandwide. The second year of Bringing Buckets Home also promises to reach more children in more communities.
“I am excited to announce the second year of our pilot programme, Bringing Buckets Home,” George revealed. “Building on the strong foundation of year one, the programme will continue to engage young people through basketball while deepening their growth in leadership, teamwork, and discipline. With participants returning, we are confident the impact will only continue to grow.
“Our goal remains clear: not just to teach basketball, but to use it as a tool for youth development, education, and transformation. When our young people step on the court, they are not just learning how to dribble or shoot; they are learning leadership, resilience and confidence that they will carry into every part of their lives.”
Additionally, youth coordinator Petal Brown has been named to participate in an upcoming Basketball For Good Facilitator Course in Nicaragua. A club statement lauded the budding coach and administrator: “We are truly proud of her progress not only as an executive member, but as a young leader in sports, and we are excited for her future as a leader in basketball. Keep bringing those Buckets Home, Petal!”
