Who We Are
Hoop Dreams Toronto is a basketball program offering house leagues, skill development clinics, and tournaments for children and youth. As a non-profit, our mission is to make basketball accessible to all, regardless of financial status.
Our History
Hoop Dreams Toronto was established with the vision of creating a thriving basketball community for children and youth in North York. The organization began by offering a house league and skills development programs tailored to young athletes of varying skill levels. These programs have attracted significant interest from local families and schools, highlighting the need for accessible, community-based sports initiatives.
Our Position:
Hoop Dreams Toronto is dedicated to making basketball accessible to all children, regardless of financial status. We believe in the power of sports to foster personal growth, build resilience, and support mental well-being. Through our programs, we aim to empower youth, helping them develop life skills, build confidence, and thrive both on and off the court.
Transition to Non-Profit Model:
Recognizing the financial challenges faced by many parents, Hoop Dreams is transitioning to a non-profit organization. This shift will allow the program to access government grants and subsidies, as well as reduced rental fees for facilities. These monetary reliefs will enable us to offer the program at discounted rates, making it more accessible to families in need.
Vision:
To create a community where every child has the opportunity to grow both physically and mentally through basketball.
Mission:
To make basketball accessible and impactful by fostering skills, teamwork, personal growth, and mental well-being in children and youth.
Board of Directors
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Francesco Oppedisano
President and Community Outreach Coordinator
Frank’s passion for basketball inspired him to create Hoop Dreams Toronto. With over a decade of experience coaching and running sports programs in Toronto, he specializes in developing training programs tailored to children and youth. His approach focuses on building self-confidence, social skills, and self-discipline in a fun and supportive environment. Beyond coaching, Frank remains deeply engaged in the basketball community, regularly participating in pick-up games and local leagues. As President and Community Outreach Coordinator, he is dedicated to expanding access to basketball for young athletes while fostering a strong sense of community.
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Alexandra Papaiakovou
Vice President and Director of Operations
Alex is a dynamic athlete with a diverse background in movement and performance. Her journey began at the age of four with competitive dance, where she dedicated countless hours to mastering coordination, rhythm, and agility. This foundation seamlessly translated into her basketball skills, shaping her into a well-rounded athlete and leader. As Vice President and Director of Operations at Hoop Dreams Toronto, Alex plays a key role in program development, logistics, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. Her passion for youth sports, combined with her organizational expertise, helps create an engaging and supportive environment where children can grow both on and off the court.
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Pierre Evelyn
Treasurer and Sponsorship Coordinator
As a social work student, Pierre recognized the vital role extracurricular activities play in fostering a safe and supportive community for children. Combining his passion for youth development with his extensive basketball experience, he partnered with Frank to co-found Hoop Dreams Toronto. The program is dedicated to teaching children key values such as teamwork, equality, discipline, inclusion, perseverance, and respect. Beyond basketball skills, Pierre ensures that Hoop Dreams Toronto provides a positive and enjoyable space for kids to grow, learn, and thrive. As Treasurer and Sponsorship Coordinator, he plays a crucial role in securing funding and building partnerships to sustain and expand the program’s impact.