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MISSION

THE MISSION

The mission of The Hoop Collaborative is to promote wellness and healthy behavior through basketball. We believe in providing young men and women with opportunities to play competitive basketball in a positive and safe environment. By fostering a culture of inclusion, education, and mentorship, we aim to create healthier communities, reduce violence, and empower youth with positive social skills and a commitment to personal growth.

Our clinics and camps, held across Massachusetts, are designed to spread awareness of this mission. Research shows that youth participation in sports leads to higher levels of social awareness, self-sufficiency, and self-esteem, while reducing feelings of loneliness, depression, and isolation. Through structured programming, dedicated coaches and volunteers, and active parent involvement, The Hoop Collaborative creates a safe space for athletes to develop confidence, mental toughness, and teamwork.

Our curriculum emphasizes that making mistakes is part of growth, teaching athletes how to learn from setbacks and apply those lessons to build resilience. By cultivating strategic awareness on and off the court, and maintaining open communication, we help bridge gaps in understanding and prepare youth for life's challenges.

The Hoop Collaborative fosters a family-like culture where athletes develop a love and passion for the game, grounded in the core values of connection, support, and excellence. Together, we inspire confidence and mental well-being in young athletes, ensuring they thrive both in basketball and in life.

THE PROBLEM

There is a significant lack of free programming in youth sports, limiting opportunities for athletes to participate. The rising costs of sports programs have made access increasingly unaffordable for many families, resulting in declining engagement and fewer youth benefiting from the physical, mental, and social advantages that sports provide.

THE SOLUTION

To provide free, high-quality programming for young BIPOC athletes that fosters fitness, social consciousness, and meaningful connections.

OUR TEAM

Our TeaM

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Reggie Carter

COACH/MEDIA COORDINATOR

steevan Cardoso

CAMP/CLINIC TRAINER

farnold degand

CAMP/CLINIC COACH

denia stewart

CAMP/CLINIC COACH

Jojo Veiga

DIRECTOR

MITCH HERCULE

INSIGHT

Health and Fitness
Skill Development
Socialization
Education
Mental Health
Opportunities

PROGRAMS

The Giveback by The Hoops Collaborative

Every year, at the end of the summer, The Hoops Collaborative donates 300-400 backpacks filled with school supplies to inner-city youth, ensuring they are prepared and equipped for the upcoming school year. During the Christmas holiday, we extend our efforts by providing clothes, hygiene products, sports equipment, and toys to over 400 families, spreading joy and meeting essential needs during the season of giving.
Our Impact on the Community
Backpacks & Supplies: Supporting all our community programs by donating essential school supplies.
Holiday Giving: Helping families in need with items that bring comfort, encouragement, and smiles during the holidays.
Our Mission
Guided by the motto, “If it’s about the youth, everyone wins,” The Hoops Collaborative is more than basketball. It’s about bringing the community together, fostering partnerships, and creating opportunities that uplift and empower.
The Hoops Collaborative is bigger than basketball—it’s about building a stronger, more connected community.

The Hoops Collaborative Youth Development Program aims to provide high-quality and engaging programming options for children from low-income families who may not have access to academic and sports opportunities. Our team understands the challenges faced by youth in isolated, inner-city communities when they have too much free time and lack access to middle-class options such as camps, jobs, and sports that can be either too expensive or not readily available in their neighborhoods. We aim to create a safe and supportive environment for these children where they can engage in educational and recreational activities that would keep them healthy, active and help maintain their academic achievement.

Monday Night Runs Boys Basketball & Mentorship Program

The Importance of the Monday Night Runs Program

Building Stronger Individuals
The program fosters critical life skills such as teamwork, leadership, respect, hard work, and perseverance. These qualities not only create better athletes but also prepare young men to face challenges in life with resilience and confidence.
Mentorship Matters
For boys aged 14-20, mentorship is vital during this transformative stage of life. The guidance and support provided by coaches and mentors help participants make positive life choices, set meaningful goals, and stay focused on their personal and academic growth.
Creating a Safe Haven
Many young men need a positive and structured environment where they feel safe and supported. This program provides a family-like atmosphere that promotes personal growth, athletic development, and emotional well-being.
Supporting Future Success
By helping young men develop both personally and athletically, the program lays the foundation for success in their future endeavors—whether in sports, academics, or careers.
Providing Opportunities
For many participants, this program may be one of their few opportunities to access quality mentorship, structured physical activity, and a positive peer group. It can be a life-changing experience that inspires them to reach their full potential.

Confidence: Playing basketball can help girls build confidence in themselves and their abilities. As they improve their skills and become more comfortable with the game, they may feel more confident in other areas of their lives as well.
Leadership: Girls who play basketball can develop leadership skills as they learn to communicate with teammates, make decisions on the court, and take on leadership roles within their teams.
Competitive spirit: Basketball is a competitive sport, and girls who participate in basketball programs can learn how to compete in a healthy and positive way. This can help them develop a strong work ethic and a drive to succeed.
Sportsmanship: Girls basketball programs can teach athletes the importance of good sportsmanship, including respect for opponents, officials, and teammates. This can help them become better people both on and off the court.
program is designed for females ages 7-19 years old.

"Herc42Skills LLC" is an organization that works relentlessly to promote education in the Greater Boston/Brockton Area along with all of New England. We have been organizing basketball tournaments, creating mentoring relationships and raising funds for children and inner-city youth since 2004. Our goal is to emphasize the importance of education and community by helping our students succeed not only in the classroom, but also in life. We help children with the opportunity to be prepared for the upcoming school year by providing them with knowledgeable mentors and school supplies. We stand by our slogan - “Success only comes before work in the dictionary” and inculcate the values of hard work, perseverance and discipline in children and youth.

Herc42Skills Academy

What We Do

Basketball Tournaments: Providing competitive and fun opportunities for youth to showcase their skills.
Mentorship: Creating meaningful mentoring relationships that guide children and teens toward success.
Fundraising: Raising funds to support inner-city youth with essential resources and opportunities.
School Preparation: Equipping students with school supplies and mentorship to prepare for the upcoming academic year.

Our Philosophy

Guided by our slogan, “Success only comes before work in the dictionary,” we instill the values of hard work, perseverance, and discipline in the children and youth we serve.

Basketball Skill Development

We run basketball skill development programming for:

Ages 7-12: Introducing foundational skills and fostering a love for the game.
Ages 13-19: Enhancing advanced skills and preparing athletes for higher-level competition.

Open to boys and girls of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced players.

The Importance of the Saturday School Academy

Empowering Young Women
This program provides a platform for girls to recognize their potential, build confidence, and understand their self-worth. By fostering empowerment and resilience, it helps participants navigate the unique challenges faced by young women today.

Safe and Supportive Environment
Many girls need a safe space where they can grow and learn without fear of judgment or intimidation. This program creates an inclusive environment that prioritizes emotional well-being, allowing participants to feel secure while pursuing their goals.

Life Skills Through Basketball
Basketball serves as more than just a sport; it becomes a tool to teach essential life skills like teamwork, conflict resolution, and leadership. These skills extend beyond the court, helping participants succeed in school, relationships, and future careers.

Promoting Positive Youth Development
By focusing on both athletic and personal growth, the program ensures that participants are prepared to meet life’s challenges with confidence, discipline, and a strong sense of identity.

Breaking Barriers in Sports
Women’s sports often face underrepresentation and lack of resources. This program actively promotes opportunities for young women to thrive in basketball, empowering them to pursue their dreams and break through societal barriers.

Laying the Foundation for Future Success
With its emphasis on education, mentorship, and empowerment, the program helps young women build the skills and mindset they need to succeed not just in basketball but in life.

The Importance of the Greater Boston JV Boys Basketball Championship

The Greater Boston JV Boys Basketball Championship serves as a vital capstone event for over 26 Junior Varsity teams across Massachusetts, offering young athletes the opportunity to compete at a high level and showcase their skills in a championship setting. This tournament provides an invaluable platform for growth, development, and recognition, fostering confidence and a competitive spirit among participants.

Over the years, the impact of this event has been profound. Many teams that have participated in the championship have gone on to achieve success at the varsity level, including winning state championships. Additionally, the tournament has been a launchpad for individual achievements, with several participants earning All-Scholastic honors and progressing to play collegiate basketball.

The tournament’s significance goes beyond the court. By bringing together teams from diverse communities, it fosters camaraderie, sportsmanship, and mutual respect among players, coaches, and supporters. For many young athletes, this event is not just an opportunity to compete for a championship but also a chance to build lasting memories, friendships, and a deeper passion for the game.

By hosting this tournament, The Hoop Collaborative continues to fulfill its mission of empowering youth through basketball, creating a space where they can strive for excellence, develop resilience, and celebrate their hard work and dedication.