WATCH ABOVE: Live for Ball teaches kids about life through basketball. Coaches Isaac and Katrina teach kids about confidence and respect while keeping them fit and having fun. Susan Hay reports.

SCARBOROUGH – Live for Ball (LFB) is a program that provides youth an opportunity to develop life skills through the sport of basketball.

Two former basketball stars devote their time to making sure the kids in their program learn to believe in themselves, while teaching them basketball skills in a safe environment.

“These kids come from all walks of life, but most of these kids are from priority neighborhoods,” said coach Isaac King. He was a Canadian divisional basketball player who was once named of Canada’s top 100 basketball players.

“Whatever you need to learn in life, you can learn on the basketball court,” said founder of Live for Ball, Katrina Sorra.

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Sorra played on the New Zealand junior and senior teams for many years as a point guard.

“My dad took me to see the Harlem Globetrotters when I was about 15-years-old, and I gave up all of my other sports and started playing basketball,” said Sorra.

As founder of LFB, Sorra’s mission is to help fulfill the dreams of every player who joins the program and developing their strengths, while working through issues that life may have thrown their way.

“If they’re missing love, they know where to come and get it. If they’re missing an ear, they know where to come,” said Sorra. “Anything they’re lacking in life, they just come to us. We’re in a gym every night.” Tweet This

“Most coaches just come in just to coach you, or just to say ‘oh you’re a good basketball player’ or ‘you’re good at whatever sport you play’,” participant Amy Onoriode said about the coaches. “But coach Katrina and Isaac, they’re always with you. Like every step of the way. It’s just awesome.”

“To be a part of LFB is to be part of a family,” said King. “Anything that we can do to help each other is what we do. That’s what family is about.”