All-City Future Ballers Community Day
About this Event
All-City Future Ballers Community Day is a fun, high-energy event bringing together middle school and high school athletes, coaches, and families from across the Wilmington region. It’s a chance for young ballers to compete, learn, and connect through basketball and real talk about college and academics.
What to Expect
Basketball Exhibition Games
Watch middle school and high school players from community boys and girls basketball teams showcase their skills in a series of competitive exhibition games. Cheer on emerging talent, enjoy exciting matchups, and celebrate the next generation of hoopers.
Coaches Panel: From Ball to College
Emerging players and their families will hear directly from coaches and college-experienced leaders about:
- Best practices for getting noticed by college programs
- How recruiting really works
- What coaches look for beyond talent
- How to balance academics and athletics successfully in college
Featured coaches include a dynamic lineup of seasoned leaders and educators from across the region’s college and high school basketball landscape.
- Stan Waterman (Head Coach Men's Basketball, Delaware State University)
- Dan Burke (Head Coach Men's Basketball, Wilmington University)
- Reds Saunders (Head Coach Men's Basketball, Delaware County Community College)
- Calvin Gilbert (Head Coach Boy's Varsity Basketball, Freire Charter Wilmington and Owner/Operator of Next Up Academy Inc.)
- Rob DePersia (Head Coach Men's Basketball, Rowan University)
Together, these coaches bring deep experience in player development, mentorship, and team culture, creating a powerful learning space for young athletes on and off the court.
There will be time for Q&A so students and families can get honest, practical advice about their futures.
Who Should Attend
- Middle school and high school athletes who love basketball (ALL genders are welcome)
- Families interested in learning about the college sports pathway
- Coaches, mentors, and community members who support youth athletes
Why You Should Come
All-City Future Ballers Community Day is more than just games. It’s a space for young people to:
- Compete and have fun
- Build skills on the court and the field
- Learn how to be a scholar and athlete
- Meet coaches, mentors, and peers from across Wilmington
Will Parking Be Available
Yes. Free parking will be available at the parking garage at 12th and Orange Streets (103 W. 12th St.), one block from the school. Parking vouchers will be provided upon arrival.
Media Opportunities
- Interviews with participating coaches
- Interviews with student-athletes and families
- B-roll and photography of exhibition games
- Coverage of the coaches panel and Q&A session
For more information or to arrange media coverage, please contact:
OnRae Watkins
Enrollment Coordinator
Freire Schools
This event was made possible with support from
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
