Q&A with Larchmont area basketball volunteers Jacob Fisher and Ian Randall
LARCHMONT, N.Y. — For the past two summers, two Larchmont teenagers, Jacob Fisher, a rising junior at Mamaroneck High School, and Ian Randall, at Hackley, have been sharing their love of basketball with the children at the Youth Community Outreach Program (YCOP) in Mount Vernon. Through Backyard Sports Cares, the Westchester non-profit that provides sports programming to underserved communities, the two teens have created and led a program of daily skill-building and games of basketball, flag football, gaga, and more. Jacob and Ian share a love of basketball and are both members of their high school varsity teams. The two created their own basketball coaching business, Young Baller School, as 7th graders, where they provide clinics, private lessons, and birthday party entertainment to kids in the community. Here are Jacob and Ian on how they came to teach basketball.
How did you get involved in Backyard Sports?
Jacob Fisher: I started volunteering with Backyard Sports every Sunday in 6th grade working to teach kids with special needs. I immediately fell in love with the program because it allowed me to share my love of sports and the community it provides with kids who otherwise wouldn’t have that opportunity.
Ian Randall: I loved working with kids through Young Baller School and Backyard Sports was a great opportunity for me to further the experience. Jacob had worked with them in the past, and last summer we decided that we wanted to work for them as volunteers.
What prompted you to start Young Baller School?
Fisher: Ian and I have been playing basketball since we were little and love the game. We wanted to share our passion for the sport with kids in our community. During Covid, our business flourished as kids were home from camp and we loved bringing the fun to the kids during this challenging time.
Randall: I’ve always loved the game of basketball and I have grown up in a basketball household. In 7th grade, I felt like I had an opportunity to take a different approach compared to the rest of my family, through coaching. Although it was a little nerve-racking, we worked hard to make plans so we could best help kids improve.
What do you enjoy most about working with kids in the community?
Fisher: I enjoy sharing my love of basketball with younger kids who are just learning the game. I especially like working with kids who don’t have other opportunities to play because it allows them to engage in something fun and positive.
Randall: My favorite thing about working with kids in the community is seeing them improve. When kids grow up, some activities come more naturally; for others, kids may have to work harder to improve. Helping kids make their first basketball layup puts a smile on not only the kid’s face but also mine.
To find out more about Young Baller School, please visit their website at youngballerschool.com or email [email protected].
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