Who Is Give N' Grow Basketball?
Our energy can't be communicated solely with words. There have been too many smiles, too many dance moves, and so many conversations, challenges and collaborations. Check out some highlights from our impactful journey so far!
NBA All-Star Weekend 2022 Cleveland Cavs Collaboration
COVID 19 Virtual Mini-Hoop Workouts Kid Feedback
Kid Does The Worm In Philadelphia 76ers Assembly Collaboration And We Lose Our Minds 😂😂😂
Coach Ben Rapping GNG's History For Giving Tuesday
Coach Mac Always Bringing That "Let's GROW" Energy
Under Armour X Baltimore City B&G Club X Poly HS Basketball Clinic Collaboration
We're so thankful to all of our sponsors, volunteers, fans, partners, and all of the students that have given us their focus, energy, and love.
OUR MISSION
Give N' Grow Basketball is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that uplifts communities by boosting mental health through basketball inspired programming.
OUR WHY
GNG recognizes that depression, anxiety, ADHD, and teen suicide are increasing worldwide, which is why elevating the mental health of K-12th graders in a proactive, uplifting way is GNG’s utmost priority.
OUR RELATIONSHIPS
We have mastered engaging students in mental health programming and we are revolutionizing how mental health programming is delivered in partnership with organizations like the Jr. NBA, Cleveland Cavs Youth Sports, Jr. 76ers, Under Armour, Dick's Sporting Goods and elementary schools across the country.
Past Program Special Guests
Lonnie Walker IV - NBA
Cheyenne Parker - WNBA
Franz Wagner - NBA
Kahleah Copper - WNBA
Tyrese Maxey - NBA
Monica Wright - WNBA
WHAT WE DO
We serve thousands of students across the country through experiences that effectively cultivate youth mental health and physical fitness by integrating mindfulness and social emotional learning (SEL) with fundamental basketball skills, mindful movement, and educational music in a variety of in-person and virtual programs.
OUR COACHES
BEN CECCHINI
Founder, Executive Director, M.E. Skills Coach
Coach Ben is a former mental health professional, life coach, motivational speaker, rapper, and basketball coach who has travelled the world inspiring people to be the best they can be.
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Ben previously worked the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA, and was a footwear developer for Under Armour where he helped to create all of the custom Under Armour shoes worn by NBA players, including Steph Curry.
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He has lived in Ghana as a mentor and trainer for young athletes, and he currently lives in Costa Rica.
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Education:
B.A. Mathematics, Washington & Jefferson College, 2013
Captain, W&J College Men’s Basketball 2010-2013
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Certifications:
Certified Professional Life Coach, iPEC, 2017
Certified Breathwork Facilitator, SOMA Breath, 2020
RYAN MCFARLAND
M.E. Skills Coach
In 2011, 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!
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​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.
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​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!
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Education:
B.S. Leisure and Sports Studies, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, 2015
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2 Year Starter, Reading Area Community College Basketball
OUR CURRICULUM
Our assembly and on-going programming is based on the research of a bevy of experts in the fields of sports psychology, developmental psychology, childhood education, various therapy modalities, and life coaching to ensure that we integrate the most essential and effective mental health skills for K-5th graders to develop during their educational journey: mindfulness and social and emotional learning (SEL).
GNG & THE CHALLENGES
SCIENCE, STATISTICS & STRATAGIES
GNGX and Anxiety
GNG and Depression
GNG and ADHD
GNG and Teen Suicide Prevention