The new space serves as a safe “third place” where Philly’s youth are given a chance to thrive and where they can go for the basketball, but stay for the workforce development, health and wellness programs, entrepreneurial training and more
Philadelphia Youth Basketball (PYB) recently held a ribbon-cutting celebration and grand opening of the Alan Horwitz "Sixth Man" Center, a newly renovated, $36 million, 100,000 square-foot facility located in Nicetown, North Philadelphia.
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The Philadelphia Youth Basketball organization's all new, 100,000 square-foot Alan Horwitz “Sixth Man” Center is officially open in the Nicetown neighborhood of Philadelphia, Penn. The new space will serve as a safe place where Philly’s youth are given a chance to thrive and where they can go for the basketball, but stay for the workforce development, health and wellness programs, entrepreneurial training and more. (Photo: Business Wire)
Providing remarks at the ribbon cutting were Ameen Akbar, PYB’s Chief Mission Officer; Philadelphia Mayor, Cherelle Parker; Pennsylvania State Senator, Vincent Hughes; donor, Alan Horwitz; and Kenny Holdsman, PYB’s Co-Founder and CEO.
“Over ten years ago, we embarked on creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for Philly youth, and turning our dream into reality,” said Holdsman. “And the process was neither straight nor smooth, but the pride and grit demonstrated by everyone involved made it worth every challenge. I am so filled with gratitude as we embark on this new chapter for PYB and officially open the Alan Horwitz “Sixth Man” Center.”
As a youth empowerment organization, PYB utilizes basketball not only as a sport but as a vehicle to address and overcome some of the most pressing and systemic issues in underserved communities. The Alan Horwitz “Sixth Man” Center will stand as a “third-place” for the city's youth—a safe haven where they can enjoy basketball and benefit from workforce development, health and wellness programs, entrepreneurial training, and beyond.
“This special and powerful space is everything that PYB has envisioned since 2015,” said Akbar. “It represents our mission within middle schools, recreation centers, and college campuses. It's a reminder of the countless supporters and stakeholders who helped us get here. Today, our dream has materialized, allowing us to create a culture in a place we call our own.”
The bond between Co-Founder Kenny Holdsman and Eric Worley, who created the Philly Triple Threat AAU program, led to the creation of PYB. Their shared vision and the support they garnered have culminated in the establishment of the Alan Horwitz “Sixth Man” Center. Holdsman’s determination to embody an authentic commitment to racial equity has only strengthened their strides in building an inclusive and impactful organization.
In keeping with the center’s commitment to racial and gender equity, the Sixth Man Center partnered with Pride Enterprises (BME), Voith and Mactavish Architects (WME), and D3 Development. The construction of the center was carried out by Black-owned businesses, Black workers, and Black apprentices, ensuring that the facility's development was a community effort.
The center features seven basketball courts—six main courts and a seventh “early development” court for toddlers. In addition to basketball, the facility will house a multimedia lab; a café; a financial empowerment center for internships, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship; a civic engagement arena; a gym and mental wellness services.
Following the opening, PYB will embark on Phase Two of their project: a $20 million workforce development and economic opportunity generator focused on aiding teenagers transitioning into adulthood. This phase will include a skill-building training academy, a community health center, and an entrepreneurship accelerator program.
About Philadelphia Youth Basketball
Philadelphia Youth Basketball is dedicated to helping urban youth overcome systemic issues and reach their full potential. Leveraging the power of basketball, PYB provides mentorship, educational support, and various developmental programs aimed at fostering strong, healthy, and empowered young individuals.
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Contacts
Red Thread PR on behalf of PYB
pyb@redthreadpr.com
