Hoops Life

My son went through the HOOPs Life program. He gained a lot of self confidence, he learned invaluable communication skills and teamwork. The basketball was a vehicle that teaches the kids life skills that they will carry on at home, school and beyond.

We have really enjoyed this program! My son would go every day if he could. Great coaches and facility.

My daughter has responded so positively to this camp -- from the unrelenting optimism of the coaches to the confidence that comes from a program developed by someone who has succeeded at the sport's highest level, I can't sing the praises of Hoops Life loudly enough.

As a teacher and coach myself, I smile at observing this coaching staff, because they have all the traits that blend into that "it" factor that all role models have. If they're not supporting the kids' growth, they're making them smile while they enjoy the game, unaware that they're growing.

I recommend this safe, holistically positive environment to any kids in the Lake County area looking to improve themselves through basketball.

Hoops Life has changed not only my daughter's life but our entire family dynamic. They don't just play basketball they teach life skills, problem solving, communication and what being part of a team is all about. They teach the "we" not "me" mindset.
I was going through a divorce with 3 kids when we found Hoops Life, my middle child was so broken and had so much built up anger that I tried counseling which did nothing for her compared to what this program did. She found her voice, she learned to express her feelings in more constructive ways.
She hasn't ever played basketball, now she helps the coaches teach the kids as an ambassador!
Pat and the coaches are available to talk, not just about playing ball, but things that are going on in our kids lives that adds up into this crazy stress and help us parents implement things at home that have truly helped all of my kids, including myself.
We feel so lucky to be a part of this program, once you're in, you're family.

Hoops life has truly been a blessing to my family and daughter! She is doing better on and off the court thanks to hoops life and it's coaches!

I discovered Hoops Life through the Elks Hoop Shoot National contest. I was chairperson of the local Eustis Elks event and met Pat Burke. He volunteered his facility for our event. The Eustis Elks were impressed by his approach to youth education and became a sponsoring partner. I was asked to be the liaison between the organizations. I became so intrigued with their approach that I volunteered to be one of their mentoring coaches. I have been volunteering with Hoops for about six months, working with the mi-Fundamentals 12-week program and on the steering committee for their 2018 Tailgate Team Building Challenge FUN'draiser. Next to my family, it has been one of the most rewarding experiences to watch these challenged youth expand their horizons. It is amazing what a noticeable transformation takes place in such a short period of time. Their parents actually come up to you with tears in their eyes and huge hugs. They are amazed at the change in their child. They listen, follow instructions and show respect. Their grades have improved and their attitude has become positive. I cannot say enough about Hoops Life Cares, Inc.

Hoops has played a huge role in my sons life, not only are they great coaches but awesome role models as well. I really appreciate the caring staff that are within Hoops & the positive roles that are played.

When my daughter first started the Hoops Life program 5 years ago she was only 6 years old. She did not know much about basketball. And to be honest we did not know much about the Hoops Life program either.
When she first started Hoops Life and played in the games, it was almost as if she felt invisible. She appeared to hide near the sidelines, wringing her hands nervously and passively hoping for someone to pass her the ball…
Since that time she has grown into a confident young girl who plays on her middle school basketball team. She has emerged into a leader helping her team mates grow their own confidence.
At home she now stands up for herself instead of letting her siblings tell her what to do. Last year she lost her dad unexpectedly and the Hoops Life family came together to comfort her and they surrounded our entire family with so much love and support that it created an unbreakable bond.

Being a single mom, the program has definitely helped me in my parenting skills as well. At home we make agreements and ask questions. We no longer just assume. We teach each other that each action or decision has consequences. Just like in the Hoops Life Program and in real life. We form a team and grow together.

Thank you to Pat Burke and the entire Hoops Life team for creating this wonderful opportunity in Lake County. Together we can transform many lives and mentor our youth to become the leaders of tomorrow.

They really care!! I could write so many goos things about this program but what everybody should know is that they really care about every single kid in the program. They have a connection with each kid to motivate them to be better in life,they help them develop their own way of thinking and commitments giving them a sense of responsiblity and independence. It is not only about basketball and in fact basketball is just an output, a cherry on top kind of thing. They may focus is on the kids behavior, life skills and emotions. I hope by people reading this can help this program because we dont have anything else like this in Lake county and we actually are lucky to be able to be part of it.

I have three boys in the program. We love Hooos Life and what it has done for our family. Im a single mother of five and Im having health issues so life has been hard. Hoops has become a family to us and they help me keep my boys in line. They give them someone to look up to and care about so they try harder at school and home. This program has opened their eyes to the world around them, they dont just focus on themselves. Hoops gives two opportunities each season to do community service work which is called passing it forward and it teaches us that even if we are going through hard times we can still help others. This program has even gotten me out of my shell and I DJ the games and I helped start a parents program. Its so awesome. If it wasnt for the scholarships we never would have been able to afford to get them into anything after school. It is a blessing that Pat Burke and his staff are dedicating their life to helping our youth. We need more people like him. I pray this program continues to grow and can reach more families like mine.

This program has truly been sent from above. Words will never amount to how life changing my daughter’s participation with the HOOPS Life program has been to her & our family. Relocating to Lake County and uprooted her from everything she knows took a tremendous toll on her emotional behavior . Her attitude, respect, and confidence was slowly deteriorating. I honestly, felt like the worst parent ever because I could not control my at the time 8 year old emotional patterns. Fast forwarding to where we are today, she is a 100% team player on and off the court. Her transformation has been INCREDIBLE!!! HOOP Life has brought out a shine in her at times leaves me speechless. The best part about it, I have been able to witness her teammates transform right along with her. It truly is so much more than just basketball!!! This organization has had such an impact on my child I pray many more youth in this community have the opportunity to participate and transform. A special **THANK YOU** from the bottom of my heart to all those who have made this organization possible. -HOOPS Life Mom

Our story... We are parents to 5 children 2 of which struggle in different areas. The guidance department at the school recommend we give this program a chance.. skeptical we gave it a chance.. I felt at that point it couldn't get any worse . I feel that this program is the closest to a magic wand you can get. I see a huge difference in my 2 kids. This program is my friend many things we are trying to teach our kids is supported here. Focus. Respect, team work, trying your best and consequences, it's also fun. Making friends and around great role models. Could not ask for more..... I'm very happy .

would love to thank hoops life for a great approach in giving our family a place with like minded individuals. A place with a purpose, a place where children can learn structure and acquire qualities to help them learn the fundamentals of life and how they effect their attitude and personality of their own and others.
Though group training they learn the effects of different approaches to rising situations on and of the court.
Hoops life also provides the children with one on one sessions to help focus on them and address the specific needs of each child. There straight forward system
works very well and seems to ask the right question that I had over looked due to it being my child. One of the questions that caught my ear was (how do you feel) well you don't until you ask. Sometimes we forget to ask and we assume.....we all know that spells. I would like to thank hoops life, Mr. Burke and the crew that keep the wheels turning for helping me and my family ask the right questions, and giving us the structure to stand with them against the no approach to raising future world leaders!

This is a wonderful program. Since my son has been in this program his self confidence has grown. He is finding his voice. I am looking forward to his continued growth.

thank you hoops life
Maggie Cox

HOOPS Life has been such an amazing program for our family. My eleven year old daughter is in her second session with the program and we have seen SO much growth in her. (Us as well) She was once a child who didn't understand the importance of working as a team, at home. With the life coaching skills taught at HOOPS she adds them to our day to day life and understands how important it is.
Please take your time to check out the program and consider becoming a sponsor. You may just know a child who could utilize the program as well!