Shoot for Success Ashland Area YMCA’s FREE LIVE UNITED Basketball CampBrings Fun, Skills, and Inspiration to Local Youth

Shoot for Success

Ashland Area YMCA’s FREE

LIVE UNITED Basketball Camp

Brings Fun, Skills, and Inspiration to Local Youth

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

Get ready for a slam dunk of an event! The Ashland Area YMCA, in partnership with the United Way of Northeast Kentucky, is proud to present the LIVE UNITED Basketball Camp — a high-energy, skill-building experience designed for local youth in third through eighth grade. Taking place on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Ashland Area YMCA’s upstairs adult gym, this FREE camp promises an unforgettable evening of basketball, mentorship, and motivation.

“Our LIVE UNITED BASKETBALL CAMP is put on by the United Way of Northeast Kentucky, with CEO Marshall Tyson and the Ashland Area YMCA CEO Scott Campbell,” said Max Hunter, Athletic Director of the Ashland Area YMCA. “We’re thrilled to offer something this impactful for the kids in our community.”

This isn’t your ordinary youth basketball clinic. The camp will feature coaching support from players and coaches from Kentucky Christian University and Huntington Expression Prep, bringing high-level instruction straight to Ashland. Campers will benefit from hands-on teaching designed to sharpen their basketball fundamentals while having a blast.

But the real highlight? Former NBA and NCAA coach Dan D’Antoni will be making a special appearance. Known for his decades-long career on the court and his basketball wisdom, Coach D’Antoni will speak directly with campers, offering insights from his personal journey and answering their questions about the game and life.

“Having someone like Dan D’Antoni talk to our kids is huge,” said Hunter. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many of them to learn from someone who’s coached at the highest levels of the sport.”

The LIVE UNITED Basketball Camp is generously sponsored by Morgan Stanley, Dewey Brown Financial Advisor. But this isn’t just about corporate backing—it’s a labor of love from community leaders who believe in the power of the game.

“Our CEO of the Ashland Area YMCA Scott Campbell, as well as the CEO of The United Way of Northeast Kentucky Marshall Tyson and myself, share a passion for the game of basketball and know how much the game has played a vital role in our own lives,” said Hunter. “We want to give kids an opportunity to learn and love the game as much as we do in hopes that it makes an impact on their lives just like it has ours.”

While the event will focus on basketball, the impact goes far deeper. Youth will not only learn how to dribble, pass, and shoot—but also how to grow as individuals.

“Playing the game of basketball can translate into a lifetime of success by helping to develop valuable life skills on and off the court such as teamwork, communication, confidence building, dealing with adversity, and working hard to reach a goal,” explained Hunter. “We want to give the youth in our community the tools to become better basketball players and be successful in life.”

And let’s not forget the fun extras: every camper will receive a FREE camp T-shirt, along with memories and lessons that could last a lifetime.

Spots are filling fast! Registration is completely FREE and open to all kids in 3rd through 8th grade. Parents can sign their children up at http://liveunited.ticketbud.com/camp, or simply scan the QR code available through the YMCA and United Way’s promotional materials.

The Ashland Area YMCA continues to go above and beyond in delivering quality events that not only entertain but truly enrich the lives of local youth. The LIVE UNITED Basketball Camp is more than just a camp—it’s a chance to build skills, gain confidence, and be inspired by leaders who care.

Whether your child dreams of being the next basketball star or just wants a fun, positive experience to round out their summer, this camp is a perfect opportunity. The ball is in your court—sign up today and be part of something extraordinary.