by Jen Townsend, Vice President of Youth Development, YMCA of Honolulu
Every Child Starts Somewhere
Walk into the Nu’uanu YMCA gym on a clinic day and you’ll hear the familiar sounds of bouncing basketballs, squeaking sneakers, and cheering teammates. Look a little closer, and you’ll notice something else: every child is involved.
Some are making their first layup. Others are refining their jump shot. A few are preparing for school basketball tryouts. Regardless of skill level, every player is encouraged, challenged, and supported.
That philosophy is the foundation of the Nu’uanu YMCA Youth Basketball Clinic.
While many youth basketball programs naturally focus on competitive teams or experienced athletes, the YMCA clinic was designed with a different goal in mind: creating a place where every child has the opportunity to learn, improve, and enjoy the game. There are no tryouts, and players of all skill levels are welcome.
“We’ll take anyone and help them meet their personal goal,” said one of the clinic’s coaches. “Not every child wants the same thing, and that’s okay.”
Building More Than Basketball Players
For Coach Dwayne Lopez, the program is deeply personal.
Long before he became a coach, Dwayne was known around the Nu’uanu YMCA as a “Nu’uanu Ball Boy.” The gym became a second home where he developed not only basketball skills, but also confidence, discipline, and lifelong friendships. Years later, he returned to help give today’s youth the same opportunity.
Joining him is his son, Coach Trey Lopez, who grew up learning the game from his father and developed into a standout player known for his three-point shooting. Together, along with a dedicated team of volunteer coaches, they helped launch the clinic with a shared vision: use basketball to help young people build confidence and character both on and off the court.
As the clinic has grown, so have the opportunities available to participants. The coaching team has incorporated Junior NBA skills training, giving players access to age-appropriate instruction while emphasizing teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship. The next step is the launch of a Junior NBA League, providing a natural progression for players who want to continue developing in a structured recreational environment.
Coaching Every Child
The clinic isn’t built around finding the best players. It’s built around helping every player improve.
Some children arrive hoping to make their school basketball team. Others simply want to learn the fundamentals, stay active, or try something new. Coaches work with each child based on their individual goals, creating an environment where beginners feel comfortable learning while more experienced players continue to be challenged.
Positive coaching extends beyond the players. The Junior NBA philosophy also encourages respectful behavior from parents and teaches young athletes the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and respect for officials.
The result is an environment where improvement is celebrated at every level, and success isn’t measured only by wins and losses.
Ayden’s Journey
For Ayden, the clinic became much more than a place to learn basketball. A pianist and gamer, he had started playing later than many of his peers and was still learning the fundamentals when he joined the YMCA clinic.
Over time, his basketball skills improved, but his father says the biggest change wasn’t his jump shot.
“He became more confident,” he shared. “The coaches give attention to every kid and help them improve together.”
That confidence extended beyond the basketball court. Ayden became more physically active, developed healthier habits, and eventually earned a spot on his high school basketball team.
His family’s connection to the YMCA also came full circle. Years earlier, his father played basketball at the Nu’uanu YMCA as a child alongside his own uncles. Today, he’s watching his son create memories in the same gym.
A Place Where Everyone Belongs
Basketball was invented at the YMCA more than 130 years ago as a way to build healthy bodies, strong character, and teamwork. Those values continue to guide the Nu’uanu YMCA Youth Basketball Clinic today.
Whether a child dreams of making the school team, wants to build confidence, or is simply looking for a fun and welcoming place to learn the game, the clinic is designed to meet them where they are.
Because sometimes the greatest victory isn’t making the winning shot. It’s discovering the confidence to take the court, encourage a teammate, and believe in yourself.
Families interested in the Nu’uanu YMCA Youth Basketball Clinic can learn more, view current schedules, and register at ymcahonolulu.org. Financial assistance is also available to help ensure every child has the opportunity to participate.
