We train MINDFULNESS so our kids discover the power of presence, gain self-awareness and elevate above depression, anxiety, and stress. We train EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE so our kids effectively identify, accept, and manage their emotions to excel under pressure. We train FUNDAMENTAL BASKETBALL skills so our kids develop the foundational skillset all elite players need to succeed.

Our mission is to provide opportunities for K-8th graders to give their energy and effort into growing the mental and emotional skills that make them exceptional at everything they do.

Give N’ Grow Basketball was formed in 2017 after Founder and President, Ben Cecchini, returned from living in Ghana with the mission to inspire millions of people to be the best they can be.

Combining his passions for basketball, personal development, and helping others, Ben came up with the framework for Give N’ Grow Basketball and started to deliver classes and clinics with the help of Vice President, Ryan McFarland.

With the help and support of many friends, families, volunteers, partners, and sponsors, Give N’ Grow Basketball, a pending 501c3 non-profit organization, is steadily making their mission to deliver mental health skills through basketball happen in an exciting and energizing way!

We train MINDFULNESS so our kids discover the power of presence, gain self-awareness and elevate above depression, anxiety, and stress.

We train EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE so our kids effectively identify, accept, and manage their emotions to excel under pressure.

We train FUNDAMENTAL BASKETBALL skills so our kids develop the foundational skillset all elite players need to succeed.

Our Give N’ Grow Experiences are sponsored by organizations that are committed to providing opportunities for mental, emotional, and physical growth to youth.

Our Year Round Basketball Classes are offered to families who understand the benefits of holistic development leading to mental, emotional, and physical health.

Our VolunTraining events create the opportunity for youth and their families to experience the fun and sense of community that giving back creates while cleaning up the local environment.

Our Give N’ Grow C.O.U.R.T.S (Community Outreach Uplifting Recreation Through Safe-Spaces) initiatives create a safe, inviting, and eyecatching space for families and kids to enjoy recreation and build a healthy community.

Our main goal this year is to have the ability to host 20 Give N' Grow Experiences this year at no cost to the participants. By doing this, we aim to solidify nearly $100,000 in corporate/individual sponsorships and donations.

Our other goals are as follows:

• Partner with Youth Groups (YMCAs, BGCs, Rec Centers, Camps, etc) to help bring the Give N' Grow Experience to participants of their organization.
• Generate a volunteer base that can help with our GNG community events.
• Partner with HS/College Basketball Teams to help expose them to the components of the Give N' Grow Experience so they can help facilitate events.

Ben Cecchini – Founder, CEO, Personal Basketball Trainer

Education B.A. Mathematics, Washington & Jefferson College, 2013

Athletics Captain, W&J College Men’s Basketball 2010-2013

Give N’ Grow Basketball / Life Coaching | June 2017 – Now!

Coach Ben is the owner of two businesses that fulfill his passions for personal development, sports, and inspiring others to be the best they can be. Both Give N’ Grow Basketball and his Certified Professional Life Coaching practice give him the opportunity to impact the lives of young men and women seeking success, courage, confidence, and purpose.

Ghana Volunteer | Feb-May 2017

Before starting these businesses, Coach Ben decided to resign from Under Armour and volunteer with a few unique non-profits in Ghana. On one project, he volunteered as a basketball skills development trainer with Royalties Sports Academy, a non-profit Basketball Academy with whom he helped to run international camps in multiple cities throughout Ghana. With his second project, he volunteered with a non-profit Soccer Academy as a business consultant and helped to create a sustainable T-shirt business that is currently helping to feed forty 11-20 year old boys.

Under Armour | 2014- 2017

Coach Ben moved to Baltimore, MD in 2014 to work for Under Armour in their Global Headquarters as a Footwear Developer/Engineer. His first position was on the Athlete Services team where he created custom footwear for UA’s professional basketball athletes including Steph Curry, Patty Mills, Raymond Felton, Greivis Vasquez, as well as UA’s collegiate assets including the University of Maryland and Notre Dame University.

Atlanta Hawks | 2013-2014

Upon graduating from W&J in 2013, Coach Ben was employed by the front office of the Atlanta Hawks as a Membership Associate in their Ticket Sales department where he familiarized himself with the professional sports industry and business operations.

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Ryan McFarland – Executive Director, COO, Head Personal Basketball Trainer

Education B.S. Leisure and Sports Studies, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, 2015

Athletics 2 Year Starter, Reading Area Community College Basketball

Seven years ago, Coach Ryan held his first individual training session and hasn’t looked back! Since then, he has been training individual players, groups, and basketball teams in both Maryland and Pennsylvania. Additionally, he enjoys coaching at professional camps including the Michael Carter-Williams Pro Camp in Philadelphia!

After graduating college, he served as an Assistant Basketball Coach for his alma mater, Holy Name HS in Reading, PA. Coach Ryan is always mastering his craft and sharing his passion for basketball with everyone he encounters.

As Head Basketball Trainer Coach Ryan goes above and beyond to ensure skill and character growth. He breaks skills down with a positive, engaging energy that allows players of all skill levels to thrive. In each session, you can count on Coach Ryan to educate and inspire!

Ryan McFarland

Ben Cecchini

Eric Rubin

Tonya Williams

Stan Tinter

Gen Haines

Dave Sherman

United States

Ryan McFarland, Executive Director

27070 Gwynns Falls Pkwy

Baltimore, MD 21216

www.givengrowbasketball.org

Phone: 410.240.7114

coachryan@givengrowbasketball.org

EIN: 53-0183181