2024 YES Ambassadors
SASCHA NYAMUKUTA
Choosing Sascha as ambassador to represent Lea RC was an easy choice.
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Despite being in sixth form Sascha has volunteered to dedicate her time outside of studying to coaching and making effective session plans for our junior club squad. It’s undeniable that all of the athletes respect her and dote on her every word; she’s a trustworthy person and her level of confidence is admirable especially in someone her age.
We all strongly believe that Sascha has the potential to do great things in life. Giving her the opportunity to take the skills that she’s demonstrates as a coach to this role as ambassador will be a stepping stone not only for Sascha to believe in herself and her abilities but to show everyone else her capabilities.
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DANIEL LOPES
Daniel became a Jedi two years ago when he joined the Boys U16s development CBL (Community Basketball League) squad mid-season. Through his consistency and hard work, he quickly earned his starting spot in the National League team and now plays for the Boys U18s, as well as for Oasis Basketball Academy, where he attends school.
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Daniel responded exactly the same when he was picked for his first Boys U16s game and when he was asked to become a YES ambassador – ‘thank you for opportunity’. This time, last year, he proactively arranged to visit the CPP offices after catching up with Marco (who is now a YES trustee). Daniel is polite, humble and eager to learn – and we have loved watching Daniel improve and progress, both on- and off-court. We are excited to see him take on the ambassador role, another opportunity he will no doubt make the best of.
2023 YES Ambassadors
YANN MAFOULA-MAMPASSI
2023 YES Ambassador Yann Mafoula-Mampassi was born in France, now living in Hackney is one of the star Jedis who plays for the Boys U18s team.
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Yann is 17, attends Oasis Academy and this is his 4th season with the Hackney Jedis since joining in 2019.
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Over the years, Yann has matured on- and off-court to become one of the Jedis senior role models, leading the Boys U16s team last year as ‘Captain Congo’ and contributing to a fantastic season of 20 Ws and 2 Ls.
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He’s continued to embrace leadership by coaching the Girls U12s and Boys U14s squads, owning the Hackney Jedis Instagram account, as well as organising travel arrangements for away games.
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Yann is studying double sports and business, is happiest playing basketball and describes himself in three words by – Tall, Laugh, Loud.
NADEKAH LIBURD
2023 YES Ambassador Nadekah Liburd started coming to Laburnum when she began at the sixth form college next door. She pro-actively sort the club out and asked if she could volunteer, helping other young people and there has been no looking back since.
Nadekah always comes in with a smile, works hard at her studies and really engages with other young people. Nadekah works especially well with young people with disabilities, she is empathetic, but not afraid to challenge other young people to try their best.
2022 YES Ambassadors
MAKYLE BAYLEY
The YES Ambassador programme is here and we are excited to announce our first official YES Ambassador, Makyle Bayley.
Makyle comes from the Hackney Jedis and has been a stand out member of the basketball club and a wonderful role model in the Hackney community.
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Makyle will be taking up a host of challenges over the course of the year, so stay tuned to see what these are!
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Thank you for being our first ever YES Ambassador Makyle. Watch this space!!
Makyle interviews Matt Day from Spalding.
The full length interview here.