The free basketball skills and drills clinic, designed to empower girls and women, was the brain child of Jessica Davis. 

The only thing brighter than the lights illuminating the Panthers basketball court were the smiles of the players.

Ms. Davis, 13, applied to the County Foundation last year for the neighbourhood grant to inspire girls and young women to come and try out basketball. The County Clippers youth basketball organization supported the initiative; volunteer coaches would oversee the clinic and provide instruction.

Over three dozen participants, ranging from first time elementary-age rookies to secondary school players, already stars with the Clippers and the Panthers, attended the 90-minute session.

Ms. Davis said she sought the County Foundation grant to create a safe haven for girls and young women who wanted to try out the sport. She recalled playing on her first U10 Ontario Basketball League team and all the encouragement she received from her fellow teammates as well as from Coach Jamie McCourt.

“It was a co-ed team but I was the only girl. I remember my teammates, the parents and Coach McCourt being really supportive of me and I wanted to organize a clinic that would encourage more girls to try out the sport,” she said.

The number of girls suiting up for Clippers programming has declined since the COVID pandemic.

“We’ve noticed the number of girls participating in basketball is going down,” said Jessica’s mom, Carrie Davis. “Hopefully, a clinic like this will introduce new players to the sport and get them coming out to play.”