We are delighted to share with you the inspiring story of the Association "Boys in the Yard," an organization that has evolved over the decades while remaining true to its community roots and spirit of camaraderie.
The organization was founded in the late 80s in Saint James, a small neighborhood where a group of young boys aged 10 to 15 decided to come together to build connections and share a common passion for sports. At that time, Saint James was a quiet place, but we were driven by the desire to have fun and improve ourselves. We began to gather around an improvised soccer field, where we played with worn-out balls and rudimentary equipment. Injuries were common, but our determination to play and enjoy ourselves was unwavering.
Over time, our soccer team took on the name "Santos," and although we faced defeats, we learned to support one another and grow together. One day, a Haitian professional player named (To) crossed our path and recognized our potential. His encouragement motivated us to work harder, and thanks to his mentorship, we began to achieve victories in district tournaments organized by Joëlo, which strengthened our team spirit and passion for the game.
In the years that followed, our interest in basketball began to grow. Inspired by the American basketball stars we saw on television, particularly Michael Jordan, we decided to build a basketball court. With the help of our community, we set up hoops and began playing with as much fervor as we had in soccer. However, our playground was temporarily lost when our sponsor Skanki decided to build his apartments, forcing us to seek a new place to play.
It was then that the project to construct a new basketball court came to life through local politicians. This new court, with its raised hoops, became our new gathering place in the Zacs de Bellevue parking lot. We continued to practice and play, and a coach, Coach Levingston, joined our team to guide us. Under his leadership, we learned not only the technical skills of the game but also the values of discipline and respect.
However, our journey has not been without challenges. During a tournament at Soccer Garden, we faced formidable opponents who humiliated us. This experience was a turning point for us as it opened our eyes to the necessity of working even harder to achieve our goals. The determination and support of our community helped us overcome these obstacles.
Over the years, we continued to fight to become champions. We participated in numerous tournaments, and through our hard work and team spirit, we started to make a name for ourselves in the territory. The BOYS IN THE YARD Association became a symbol of unity, resilience, and passion for sports, especially basketball.
It all began in 1993 during a memorable tournament where we faced the formidable Tough Gang team from Grand Case. This match was a true turning point for us. Although our opponents were known for their aggression and physical play, we managed to leverage our technique, speed, and fitness. With unwavering determination, we won this match, thus becoming champions of the "French part of the Leo Freedom Championship." This victory was much more than just a title; it forged our identity and team spirit.
From 1993 to 2001, our team experienced an unprecedented period of dominance. We faced and defeated all our rivals, solidifying our reputation as an unbeatable team. However, in 2002, we suffered a defeat against the Scorpions of Grand Case, a challenging moment that reminded us that the road to victory is fraught with obstacles. But our determination did not waver. In 2003, we reclaimed our championship title, and in 2004-2005, we triumphed over the Scorpions once again, proving that our team was meant to shine.
Unfortunately, the 2005-2006 basketball season competition came to a halt, and basketball faded from our landscape until 2007. The return of the SMBC season was a moment of relief, but the challenges were numerous. We claimed victory for the 2007-2008 season and the Christmas Cup tournament in 2011, but the situation for basketball continued to deteriorate. In 2014, we decided to withdraw, faced with obstacles that seemed insurmountable. The following years were marked by a decline in the number of teams and a lack of interest in the sport.
However, the passion for basketball never faded. In 2024, we received our affiliation number from FFBB, marking our return to the scene. It is with immense pride that we announce that Boyz nd Yard is reborn, ready to take on new challenges and inspire a new generation of players. We are determined to work hard and pass on our experience to young talents aspiring to become the future leaders of our team.
In 2025, we have great plans and are excited to see what the future holds for us. With the commitment of the veterans and the enthusiasm of the newcomers, we are confident that Boyz nd Yard will once again be a force to be reckoned with. Together, we will revive our passion for basketball and make our team shine in the territory.
Today, we are proud of our legacy and our journey. We have evolved from a simple group of boys seeking fun to an organization that promotes personal development, teamwork, and community engagement. We continue to inspire the youth of our neighborhood and beyond to pursue their dreams and believe in their abilities.