#USA #Dallas #Youth Sports #Dallas Mavericks #Luka Dončić Foundation

Luka Dončić Foundation Sets Out to Transform Youth Sports

Dallas Mavericks star and Slovenian national team captain Luka Dončić is officially launching the Luka Dončić Foundation on World Basketball Day, December 21st. This initiative aims to enhance the youth sports experience, focusing on creating joyful, enriching opportunities for children around the globe. Drawing from his own experiences, Dončić is committed to ensuring that future generations can enjoy the transformative power of sports.

In light of alarming statistics revealing that 70 percent of young athletes quit sports by the age of 13, the foundation has taken a proactive approach by commissioning a comprehensive analysis of youth basketball in both the United States and Europe, with a particular focus on the Balkan region. This study, titled Inside Youth Basketball, highlights not only the strengths of these basketball ecosystems but also the crucial need to incorporate elements of joy, creativity, and exploration back into the game, which have been increasingly overshadowed.

To counter this trend, the foundation will introduce the Total Hoops Approach, a strategic framework designed to revamp youth basketball programs. This initiative aims to ensure that participating in sports is a fun, accessible experience geared towards positive child development. Luka Dončić remarks, “Basketball has brought joy to my life since I was a child; I want to make sure kids everywhere can share that experience. Sports should be a space where young people can learn, grow, and have fun.”

On December 21st, Dončić will kick off the foundation during a game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, where he has invited 750 local children from various organizations, including the Boys and Girls Clubs and the Positive Coaching Alliance, to attend as his special guests. This event will raise awareness about the foundation and its mission, inviting all attendees to support the cause.

The Youth Sports Leadership Council, established to guide the foundation's efforts, features a stellar lineup of sports professionals and advocates, including Stephen Curry, Pau Gasol, Steve Nash, and Dirk Nowitzki, among others. Their collaboration is pivotal for promoting a holistic attitude towards youth sports and implementing the Total Hoops Approach methodologies.

Stephen Curry emphasizes the importance of efforts like Dončić’s by stating, “Luka continues to make an impact locally and globally, helping children and families from Dallas to Slovenia.” This sentiment is echoed by Pau Gasol, who acknowledges the immense potential of utilizing their platforms to inspire young athletes and promote growth through sports.

In 2025, the Luka Dončić Foundation will partner with organizations such as FIBA, the NBA, and Gatorade to pilot the Total Hoops Approach. These collaborations are positioned not only to elevate youth sports but also to foster a culture of inclusivity and empowerment through basketball. Dončić has pledged to contribute over $2.5 million to the foundation, ensuring that it has the resources necessary for impactful initiatives.

The initial findings of the Inside Youth Basketball report will be unveiled publicly on the foundation’s website on December 21st, providing in-depth insights and guidance for creating a sustainable, enjoyable youth sports culture. The Luka Dončić Foundation aims to shift paradigms within youth sports and foster an environment where joy and development go hand-in-hand, ensuring that future generations of athletes have access to sports that enrich their lives.

For more updates regarding the foundation and its mission, visit lukadoncicfoundation.org and follow their journey on social media @lukadoncicfoundation.