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We help foster faith-based stewardship in the community for the spiritual, educational and charitable needs of all. CYO basketball makes life better for Michael. An 8th grader at St. Aloysius in Cleveland, his life is enriched, and his character is strengthened on his CYO team, which is part of Catholic Charities.
His mother, Kathleen, sees real growth in Michael. “Being on the team helped him make friends and open up. He’s learned how to be a team player, improve his communication, and be a good sportsman. When you lose, you congratulate the other team – and when your team makes mistakes, you hold them up.”
She credits CYO basketball with helping Michael improve academically since good grades are required. “I see a lot of guys buckle down on their studies to play CYO sports. They realize they’re smarter than they thought and that they can get not a sports scholarship but an academic scholarship!”
Michael likes getting playing time because CYO coaches allow all kids to play. “It’s not about being the best player. They give everyone a chance, no matter your skill level,” says Kathleen. She appreciates the “meditation moment” when each game begins and ends with a prayer. “It helps everyone to forget negative thoughts and let that go.”
Her older son Wayne now plays on the varsity team at Saint Martin de Porres High School. “CYO sports give kids a positive outlet. There’s so much negative stuff around them. Connecting sports to the Catholic faith they learn in school helps them practice being caring and giving back. They see parents and refs who are respectful at the games. They see it’s not all about winning.”