Youth Enrichment Outreach Program: Providing More Than Just Basketball Training

The Youth Enrichment Outreach Program (YEOP) in Syracuse is making a positive impact on the lives of at-risk children in the community through basketball training and life-skills development. Founded 28 years ago by Melvin Triche, YEOP has provided thousands of kids with the opportunity to learn valuable lessons both on and off the court.

Triche, whose own sons benefited from the program, emphasizes the importance of leadership, teamwork, and hard work that YEOP instills in its participants. The program is not just a daycare for parents to drop off their children, but a community-based organization that thrives when families are involved as supportive fans and volunteer coaches.

One volunteer coach, Qasim Akbar, credits YEOP with helping him create lifelong friendships and now he is passing on those same lessons to his own son. The recent passing of key figure Ed Bynoe inspired Akbar to give back to the program that had such a profound impact on his childhood.

YEOP aims to provide opportunities for all children in the Syracuse community, regardless of their financial situation. The entry fee is only $35, but the program is committed to allowing all kids to participate, following the motto of “If a kid can’t pay, let ’em play anyway.”

Parents like Katrina Williams have seen the positive effects of YEOP on their children, not just in basketball skills but also in academics. The program emphasizes the importance of education and provides opportunities for athletes and their families to bond beyond the sports leagues.

With plans to expand into soccer, lacrosse, and female-specific leagues, YEOP is always looking for volunteers and donations to continue its mission of empowering the youth in Syracuse. The program’s impact goes beyond the basketball court, creating a supportive community for children to learn and grow.