Summer in Indianapolis is defined by the rhythm of bouncing basketballs and the acoustic squeak of sneakers on the hardwood. Now, two local organizations join forces to help the city’s next generation of student-athletes and community leaders fully tap into that rich cultural heritage.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis (BGCI) officially announced a new, wide-ranging partnership with The City League (TCL). This basketball-based nonprofit organization has spent more than a decade utilizing the sport to foster connection, build community, and elevate local talent.
The collaboration directly integrates BGCI teen participants into The City League’s highly anticipated summer programming. The integration includes an eight-week program merging high-level competitive basketball with community culture, localized creativity and hands-on youth mentorship.
Hosted annually at the Boner Fitness & Learning Center on Indianapolis’ Near Eastside, The City League establishes itself as the premier summertime destination to watch some of the best adult men and women basketball players in Central Indiana go head-to-head.
Director of Development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis Pam Lozano believes the partnership adds a layer of depth for teens this summer.
“Partnering with City League will allow youth participants in Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis programming to benefit from new mentorship opportunities, team-building prospects, and above all — a unique gateway to catalyze a life-changing sense of belonging,” Lozano said.
For BGCI, this sports-centric collaboration is a natural extension of a community-focused mission that dates all the way back to 1893. The organization stands as a pillar of stability for generations of Hoosier families, relying on longstanding community partnerships to maximize its impact.
Through this new partnership, BGCI teens will not just be spectators in the bleachers. The collaboration paves the way for a unique summer workout series designed specifically for club participants, encouraging physical fitness and healthy lifestyle options.
Additionally, program participants receive direct mentorship, life coaching and career exploration guidance from TCL leaders and athletes, including Executive Director of The City League Austin Taylor.
“We are excited for this new relationship with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis,” Taylor said. “We have a lot of great athletes that compete in the summer at The City League. A majority of our players are not only superb athletes but also successful people off the court. Our partnership with BGCI provides a fun opportunity for our players to connect with and pour into kids who aspire to be like them in the future.”
The Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper sponsored a basketball team in The City League during the 2025 season, ultimately coming up short in the championship game against Team Press Play.
By bridging the gap between established community leaders, elite local athletes and teenagers looking for a safe and engaging summer outlet, the partnership aims to ensure that the lessons learned this summer extend far beyond the hardwood.
Contact multimedia & senior sports reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more news, visit indianapolisrecorder.com.
Noral Parham is the multi-media reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
