Mentorship & leadership
Connecting young people with community mentors, positive role models, and opportunities to develop their voice.
In developmentJane–Sheppard · Northwest TorontoBig potential.
Big potential.
Real opportunity.
Stronger together.
We’re building pathways for young people to learn, lead, and shape their future—with their community beside them.
A community-rooted Ontario not-for-profit.
ROOTED HERE. REACHING FURTHER.
A place to belong.
A path to grow.YOUTH. SKILLS. COMMUNITY.
A path to grow.YOUTH. SKILLS. COMMUNITY.
Mentorship✳Sport & connection✳Skills & opportunity✳Youth leadership
Our purposeOpportunity starts
Opportunity starts
with belonging.
Ballers Youth & Community Development brings a local perspective to a shared goal: helping young people build confidence, practical skills, and meaningful connections.
Rooted in Toronto’s Jane–Sheppard community, we’re developing ideas that connect youth and families with mentors, learning experiences, and pathways toward work and community leadership.
Our next chapter is being built with youth, volunteers, and prospective partners. Program dates, spaces, and registration will be announced as arrangements are confirmed.
Our focusMore ways to
More ways to
find your next step.
These are the areas we’re developing. Explore the vision, then connect with us to help shape what comes next.
Sport & recreation
Using basketball and recreation as starting points for teamwork, confidence, healthy routines, and connection.
In developmentSkills & trades
Exploring practical learning and supervised introductions to trades, with pathways to training and employment.
In developmentSTEM & digital skills
Creating space for curiosity through technology, problem-solving, and hands-on learning with skilled mentors.
In developmentWork & financial readiness
Building everyday money skills, employment confidence, and connections to training providers and employers.
In developmentCommunity connection
Bringing youth and families into conversations and activities that support belonging, wellbeing, and safer communities.
In developmentPROJECT CONCEPT
A Skills, Trades & STEM Hub.
A vision for a welcoming place to explore interests, learn from experienced people, and connect learning with future opportunities.
We’re exploring how a hub could bring together:
- Practical workshops and mentoring
- Trades and technology exploration
- Connections to training and employment
- Community-led learning and collaboration
The hub is a proposal. Location, funding, partnerships, and delivery arrangements are still to be confirmed.
Our approachListen locally.
01 / YOUTH VOICE FIRST 02 / CONNECT THE SUPPORT 03 / BUILD WITH PURPOSE
Listen locally.
Build the next step together.
Start with people.
Listen to young people and families about their interests, strengths, and the barriers they experience.
Bring skills to the table.
Invite mentors, educators, tradespeople, community organizations, and employers to explore practical ways to contribute.
Turn ideas into pathways.
Develop focused activities with clear next steps, suitable supervision, and realistic opportunities for participation.
Get involvedYour experience.
Your experience.
Your energy.
A place in the story.
Have an idea, a skill to share, or an interest in a future program? Let’s start a conversation.
- Youth & familiesTell us what you would like to learn or take part in.
- Volunteers & mentorsShare your experience and explore a role.
- Partners & supportersExplore training, spaces, equipment, and program collaboration.
Contact Kensworth Malcolm
647-761-0757
Jane–Sheppard, Toronto, Ontario
Start a conversationHow would you like
How would you like
to get involved?
Share your interests and ask about future opportunities. Program registration is not open yet.
Start a text message Call KensworthOpens your messaging or phone app. You review and send the message yourself. Please avoid sending ID documents or sensitive personal details.A few things to know
Before you reach out.
Are programs open for registration?
The programs shown here are being developed. Dates, eligibility, locations, and registration details will be shared when confirmed. You can contact us now to express interest.
Who is this for?
Our focus is young people and families in Jane–Sheppard and surrounding northwest Toronto communities. Each future program will have its own age range and participation requirements.
Can I volunteer or become a mentor?
Yes—start by contacting Kensworth about your skills and interests. Roles, availability, and any screening or supervision requirements will be discussed before participation.
How can an organization get involved?
We welcome conversations with community organizations, training providers, educators, employers, and prospective supporters. Contact us to explore a specific contribution or collaboration.
Is this Ballers Learn & Earn Canada Inc.?
Ballers Youth & Community Development is the Ontario not-for-profit featured on this website. Ballers Learn & Earn Canada Inc. is a separate organization.