est. 2025 · Nairobi

The Gambit
Basketball Academy

Where young athletes become leaders — on and off the court.

read the manifesto
TGBA athletes in action

TGBA is more than a training ground — it's a movement for gender equity in sport. We combine elite basketball development with mentorship, academic support, and community building.

8-18 age group
360° athlete development
14 founding players
3 scholarships '25

“Effective coaching is not about tweeting behaviors or achieving short term goals. Rather its main use is to trigger a deeper shift in mindset, habits and overall life trajectory leading to significant personal and professional transformation.”

Yasser Muiruri Nassir · founder & head coach

excellence

high‑performance training

mentorship

life skills & leadership

equity

closing the gender gap

academics

scholarship pathway

academy life

founder's report · march 2025

Why I started a basketball academy for girls

Prepared by Yasser Muiruri Nassir, Founder TGBA

The academy is not just about sports — it’s about creating opportunities, changing mindsets, and building futures.

01 Introduction

The purpose of this report is to explain the motivation, objectives, and background behind the establishment of The Gambit Basketball Academy Girls Basketball Academy. The academy was founded to provide young girls with the opportunity to develop their basketball skills, build confidence, and promote gender equality in sports.

02 Background and Motivation

Basketball has long been one of the most popular sports globally, yet in many communities, opportunities for girls to participate are limited. Growing up, I observed that most basketball programs, tournaments, and resources were directed toward boys, leaving talented young girls without proper support or training facilities. This gender gap inspired me to start a basketball academy specifically for girls — a place where they could train, compete, and dream without limitations. My vision was to create a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment that nurtures both athletic and personal growth.

03 Objectives of the Academy

To promote gender equality in sports by providing equal opportunities for girls to train and compete. To develop basketball talent among young girls through structured training programs, mentorship, and competitions. To empower girls by teaching teamwork, discipline, leadership, and confidence. To support education and character development, ensuring players balance sports with academics. To build community engagement by encouraging parents, schools, and sponsors to support girls in sports.

04 Target Group

The academy targets girls aged 8 to 18 years, drawn from local schools and communities. Special focus is given to those from underprivileged backgrounds who may lack access to sports facilities or professional coaching.

05 Expected Impact

Increase the number of girls participating in basketball. Produce skilled female athletes capable of representing the region or country. Inspire a new generation of confident, goal-oriented young women. Create a community culture that values and supports female athletes.

06 Challenges and Opportunities

While the academy faces challenges such as limited funding, inadequate facilities, and social stereotypes about girls in sports, it also presents opportunities to partner with schools, NGOs, and sponsors who support gender equality and youth empowerment.

07 Conclusion

The Gambit Basketball Academy Girls Basketball Academy was driven by a desire to bridge the gender gap in sports, develop young talent, and empower girls through basketball. The academy is not just about sports — it’s about creating opportunities, changing mindsets, and building futures.

20+ active athletes
3 high school scholarships (2025)
2 regional tournaments

“Effective coaching is about a deeper shift in mindset, habits and overall life trajectory. These young women are proof that sport can transform futures.”

— Yasser Muiruri Nassir

“Effective coaching is about a deeper shift in mindset, habits and overall life trajectory.”

— Yasser Muiruri Nassir
pathways to education

high school scholarships

Gambit Basketball Academy is committed to developing young athletes and helping them earn high school basketball scholarships. Through structured training, discipline, and mentorship, the academy equips players with strong basketball fundamentals, game intelligence, and life skills needed both on and off the court.

The academy also provides exposure by participating in tournaments and connecting athletes with high school coaches and scouts. By guiding players through the recruitment process and promoting academic responsibility, Gambit ensures athletes are well-prepared for scholarship opportunities.

Gambit Basketball Academy continues to change lives by turning talent and hard work into real educational opportunities for its athletes.

class of 2025 placements

  • Mukumu Girls High School (sport scholarship)
  • Butere Girls High School (basketball & academics)
  • Lugulu Girls High School (emerging talent)

scholar athletes

Aisha · 2025 recruit
campus visit · Butere
scout combine
signing day
championship squad
Kenya Academy of Sports · 2024

Mukumu Girls High School

Late last year, The Gambit Basketball Academy attended a Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS) program hosted at Mukumu Girls High School. The program provided valuable exposure to high-level training, skill development, and mentorship for our female athletes. The experience inspired our players to embrace discipline, teamwork, and excellence as they continue to grow both on and off the court.

Our under‑16 team trained alongside top coaches from the region, participated in competitive scrimmages, and attended leadership seminars — a pivotal moment in the team's development.

3 players selected for regional camp 80% skill improvement (self‑assessed)

KAS gallery

team at Mukumu
skill session
mentorship talk
friendly scrimmage
participation medal