our approach

Basketball is the vehicle. Our approach prepares young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to navigate their futures.

By 2030, Lay-Up needs to prepare 3,500 young people in Toronto to survive real-world problems.

The Outcomes
We Design For

Health & Wellbeing

We create safe, consistent spaces where young people build physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing through sport. By combining movement, trusted relationships, and trauma-informed coaching, participants develop confidence, resilience, and healthy habits that last beyond the game.

Education

Learning extends beyond the classroom. Through off-court programming in STEM, literacy, nutrition, and creative design, young people build the critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills they need for school and beyond.

Employability

Leadership starts early. Through our Crossover Pathway, young people gain paid work experience, mentorship, certifications, and transferable skills that prepare them for meaningful employment and future opportunities.

Social Sustainability

Strong communities are built from within. By developing local youth into coaches and leaders, Lay-Up strengthens community connections, creates positive role models, and builds lasting capacity where it's needed most.

FROM PLAY TO POSSIBILITY:
THE LAY-UP PATHWAY

PLAY

Ages 6-14

  • Year-round basketball programs (School Year & Summer)
  • Our off-court programs including STEM, literacy, creativity, and other real-world skill development
  • Cost-Free House League & Annual 3x3 Tournament
Grow

Ages 15-29

Crossover Program: 

  • Paid training, certifications, and experiential learning
  • Pathways in Business Operations, Performance, Creative
Lead

Beyond Lay-Up

  • Local & Community Leaders

Lay-Up
Principles

Evidence-
Based

Programs designed using best practices in sport for development.

Place-
Based

Programs located within the neighbourhoods we serve.

Equity-
Lens

Removing barriers so young people can participate.

Trauma-
Informed

Creating safe, supportive environments where young people can thrive.

Safe
Sport

Prioritizing physical and psychological safety in every program.

By 2030, Lay-Up needs to prepare 3,500 young people in Toronto to survive real-world problems.