Boys and girls club teams up with basketball star for Summer Heat workshops

Former London Lightning star Maurice 'Mo' Bolden will be coaching a series of high-energy events this summer, inviting kids from all corners of the city to hit the basketball court, gain some skills, and have some fun.

BGC London has launched a Summer Heat series through their Next Level Sports program that will include basketball, volleyball, music, food, prizes and community fun. The first event is happening on Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Huron Heights Park and is free to anyone who wants to play.

"We really like the idea of going into the neighbourhoods and going into the communities and bringing our programs to them," said Montana Ridout, the program coordinator at Next Level Sports.

"We came up with the idea of going into the parks and bringing basketballs and volleyballs so that the neighbours can just come out into their neighbourhood and see what Next Level Sports is about."

LISTEN | Coaches Mo Bolden and Montana Ridout on making high-level sports accessible:

London Morning6:33Making high-level sports more accessible to local kids

Next Level Sports is bridging the gap between casual recreation and elite competitive sports in London. Montana Ridout is the coordinator and former London Lightning player Mo Bolden is a coach with the organization. The pair told London Morning about how the program is benefiting kids.

Ridout said the goal is to create a city-wide league for kids who can't afford to travel outside of the city but want a high level of coaching and competition, and they teamed up with Mo Bolden to make it happen.

"I just wanted to go and reach back to the kids for free," said Bolden.

"I started my own basketball program once my career was over, and I ran into Montana at Next Level Sports, and we worked out something where I can come and work with those guys and help them out."

Bolden, who is originally from Jackson, Mississippi, joined the London Lightning in 2013 and played six seasons with the team. After leaving professional basketball, Bolden stayed in the city and has been focused on community involvement and mentoring young athletes.

"I absolutely love giving back," he said. "Let these kids have a conversation with me, get some drills in, have some fun with them, and have a party with them! Let them know that we love them and support them."

Here's how you can check out the Summer Heat events:

• June 7 - 1 - 3 p.m. - Huron Heights Park, 185 McNay Street.
• July 11 - 1 - 3 p.m. - White Oaks Park, 1119 Jalna Blvd.
• July 18 - 1 - 3 p.m. - East Lions Park, 1733 Churchhill Ave.
• July 25 - 1 - 3 p.m. - West Lions Park, 20 Granville St.

For more information and to register for prizes, visit the BGC London website.