NEW YORK, NY – The New York Knicks, YMCA of Greater New York, and New York City Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD) have launched a new partnership to provide safe, high-quality programs at no cost to teens across the city. Beginning on Saturday, February 19, the New York Knicks will host a basketball clinic for teens between the ages of 11 and 18 at a different YMCA branch each week, as part of the Saturday Night Lights program. 

The first four YMCA branches to host the Knicks Saturday Night Lights Basketball Clinics will be: 

• Saturday, February 19: Jamaica YMCA, 89-25 Parsons Boulevard, Jamaica 

• Saturday, February 26: Dodge YMCA, 225 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn  

• Saturday, March 5: Castle Hill YMCA, 2 Castle Hill Avenue, Bronx 

• Saturday, March 12: Broadway YMCA, 651 Broadway, Staten Island 

In addition, 10 YMCA teens will have the opportunity to play on the Madison Square Garden court before the Knicks’ game against the Philadelphia 76ers on February 27th. 

Beginning in August 2021, 13 YMCA of Greater New York branches, in partnership with the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), have provided a safe space for teens in the community every Saturday night, through the Saturday Night Lights program. The branches, which are located in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, offer sports training and programming to participants each week from 5-9 PM. 

The New York Knicks Saturday Night Lights Basketball Clinics will run for two hours, from 5:30-7:30 PM. During each of the clinics, participants will have the opportunity to strengthen their ball handling and shooting skills, get to meet a current or former Knicks player, and get a free t-shirt.

“One of the YMCA’s top priorities is to keep our teens and youth safe and engaged in healthy activities,” said Sharon Greenberger, President and CEO, YMCA of Greater New York. “Teaming up with the New York Knicks and DYCD enables the Y to create safe, positive experiences for even more New York City youth at a critical time when outlets like this are needed most by kids across the city. We’re grateful to the Knicks for their decades of support for the communities we serve, and proud to partner with this storied franchise in their 75th anniversary season.” 

“It is a priority that the children in our communities have access to safe places to play, as well as great programming so they can enjoy themselves, and these clinics are a great example of bringing everyone together,” said John Starks, New York Knicks Legend. “We are thrilled to partner with the YMCA and the Dept. of Youth & Community Development on this initiative and can’t wait to get started.”  

“Keeping young people safe, engaged, and away from guns is a priority of the Adams Administration, and this exciting partnership is a step toward achieving those goals,” said DYCD Commissioner Bill Chong. “DYCD and our Saturday Night Lights program are excited to collaborate with the Knicks and the YMCA of Greater New York to help participants work on their game—and inspire them to become future leaders on and off the court.”  

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About the YMCA of Greater New York  

For nearly 170 years, the YMCA of Greater New York has been helping all New Yorkers reach their full potential. As New York City’s leading nonprofit community service and wellness organization, the Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, by providing access and opportunities for all to learn, grow, and thrive. We provide a place to play, to be healthy, and to give back. We give parents childcare, young adults job training, seniors a way to connect, and children a safe place to go. By bringing people together from different backgrounds, perspectives, and generations, the Y improves overall health and well-being, ignites youth empowerment, and connects and supports diverse communities across New York City.  Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @ymcanyc.  

About the New York City Department of Youth & Community Development 

The New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) invests in a network of community-based organizations and programs to alleviate the effects of poverty and to provide opportunities for New Yorkers and communities to flourish. Since 1996, DYCD has been committed to supporting New Yorkers of all ages through high quality initiatives such as COMPASS afterschool, the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), Beacon and Cornerstone Community Centers, Adult Literacy and Immigrant Services, and Runaway and Homeless Youth. Visit www.nyc.gov/dycd to learn about DYCD’s funded services, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linkedin. 

About Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. 

Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (MSG Sports) is a leading professional sports company, with a collection of assets that includes: the New York Knicks (NBA) and the New York Rangers (NHL); two development league teams – the Westchester Knicks (NBAGL) and the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL); and esports teams through Counter Logic Gaming, a leading North American esports organization, and Knicks Gaming, an NBA 2K League franchise. MSG Sports also operates two professional sports team performance centers – the MSG Training Center in Greenburgh, NY and the CLG Performance Center in Los Angeles, CA. More information is available at www.msgsports.com.