Cleveland Program Uses Basketball to Boost Youth Confidence and Mental Health

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Keyes to the Game, a youth organization founded in 2018 by NiTasha Keyes, is using basketball as a vehicle to provide mentorship, mental health support and safe spaces for Cleveland’s young people.

Keyes said, “We believe basketball is more than a sport; it’s a tool for growth, confidence, and life lessons.” The program combines group training, one‑on‑one coaching, after‑school mentorship and behavioral health services to serve students facing trauma, peer pressure or gun violence.

Students attend group training to develop teamwork and leadership on the court. One‑on‑one sessions target individual skills and build confidence. After‑school programs offer structured environments with mentors and positive activities. Case management and behavioral health specialists help youth build resilience and coping skills. The organization also offers babysitting and inflatable rentals for community events.

Keyes to the Game trains young leaders to serve as mentors and junior coaches, creating a cycle of community impact. The program’s slogan—Work Hard, Believe in Yourself, Have Fun—underscores its mission to cultivate resilience and life skills.

The organization’s holistic approach blends athletic development with mental wellness, life coaching and community engagement. “We’re not just training players; we’re building leaders, boosting confidence, and making sure kids have a space where they feel supported,” Keyes added.

Participants report increased self‑esteem, improved coping mechanisms and stronger community ties. A parent involved in the after‑school program noted, “My daughter comes home excited to share what she learned about working hard and believing in herself.”

Keyes envisions expanding the program to reach more youth and further embed mental health support into sports activities. She aims for Cleveland families to recognize the transformative power of combining athletics and mentorship.

“We know what’s possible when someone believes in you, and we’re here to pass down the keys to success...on the court, in life, and beyond,” Keyes said.

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