

WE ARE THE BIG AND LITTLE SKILLS ACADEMY
We exist to elevate youth through basketball. We don't just develop athletes, we holistically develop people. Founded in 2012 in New York City by professional basketball player Jamael Lynch, BALSA has evolved into a premier national youth development organization. As a 501c3 certified non-profit, we leverage our leadership abilities, athletic expertise and strong partnerships to impact as many youth as possible. This website tells our story, but please know we’ve only just begun... and we need your help.






THE SOLE PURPOSE OF BALSA IS TO


YOUTH HOLISTICALLY THROUGH BASKETBALL.
BALSA ELEVATES THE WHOLE PERSON


BALSA FOUNDER
JAMAEL LYNCH
I AM A MAN ON A MISSION
"There are few who would rather go down the road that have already been traveled by some, yet failed by many, and then
there are those who'd rather go down the road less chosen in order to set their own footprints in life. I was born in the Williamsburg projects, an area in Brooklyn New York. It was there I decided to create my own footprints and go against all the odds. I chose not to become a product of my environment, going in opposition of the stereotypical roles of becoming a drug dealer, gangster, and teenage father. The dream I established at the tender age of five is what gives me the strength and will power to change negative aspects in the life of youth to positive ones. It's about more than basketball. BALSA is the culmination of everything I was built to do on this earth. Please join me on this journey."


BALSA AWARDED GRANT FROM NIKE
BALSA is proud to announce that we have been selected as recipient of the 2017 Nike Community Impact Award, given to outstanding non-profits in the realm of youth sports. Thank you Nike and the Flatbush team for helping us get closer to our vision!




TEAM WORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK
We believe a great team can accomplish anything. The BALSA staff roster is stacked with professional athletes, coaches, business leaders, teachers, creators, entrepreneurs, activists, and journalists who are passionate about elevating youth.


JAMAEL LYNCH
FOUNDER


MALIK HARPER
CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER


MIKE CHATFIELD
BRAND DIRECTOR


ERIN A. SIMON
CREATIVE DIRECTOR


VISHAL PATIL
FINANCE DIRECTOR


ANGELICA RESTO
STRATEGIC PROCUREMENT DIRECTOR


OUR VISION
We aim to elevate one million youth by 2020.


OUR PARTNERS AND FRIENDS
We're building this from the ground up and we need your help. BALSA is committed to forming partnerships and collaborating with likeminded brands, corporations, and communities who share our mission of elevating youth. We can’t do it without you.

