CNIBA Cleveland Northern Ireland Basketball Academy

Creating Opportunity Through Basketball

The Cleveland Project expands opportunity through education and sport, empowering young athletes in Cleveland and Northern Ireland. We develop school-aged youth in Northern Ireland through basketball coaching, competition, and mentorship, using sport to foster growth and cross-community engagement. We support Cleveland’s student-athletes with postgraduate scholarships, enabling them to continue their education and playing careers overseas—while also serving as coaches and mentors in the Northern Ireland basketball program. Through the Ohio tax credit initiative, we provide educational resources for disadvantaged youth in Cleveland, ensuring brighter futures through access to opportunity.

By bridging basketball, education, and opportunity across Cleveland and Northern Ireland, The Cleveland Project opens doors for young people to grow as athletes, scholars, and leaders—creating a future where talent and ambition are never limited by circumstance.

Registration is open for our next program year. Inquire below.

"I love, I LOVE coaching enthusiastic kids! And the Cleveland Project has been very successful at getting school kids to be enthusiastic about basketball. I’m so happy to be part of this program to help these kids further themselves mentally and physically."

— Coach Kelvin Troy

Rutgers University '77-'81, Basketball Ireland Hall of Fame inductee

The Cleveland Project

In the first two years, our program has exploded. Year three will be even larger.

2021: 1,450 participating youth

2022: 3,600 participating youth

2023: 4,100 participating youth

2024: 6,525 participating youth

2021: 6 tournament days

2022: 12 tournament days

2023: 15 tournament days

2024: 18 tournament days

2021: 12 participating schools

2022: 20 participating schools

2023: 29 participating schools

2024: 41 participating schools

2021, 2022: 0 participating clubs

2023: now adding club participation!

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📸🔥 Big energy at yesterday’s U14 Elite Session at Lisburn Racquets Club!

Massive respect to all the players who showed up ready to work—and to the coaches bringing next-level focus and encouragement. Every drill, every huddle, every bucket mattered. 💯

This is what creating opportunity through basketball looks like. Proud to be building something special together. 🏀🌍

#TheClevelandProject #U14Elite #LisburnRacquets #BallIsLife #YouthBasketball #BasketballCommunity #TrainHardPlayHard #OpportunityThroughBasketball #CrossCommunitySport
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The Cleveland Project has won! 🏆 Blues Awards 2025 – Special Achievement Winner
🌍 The Cleveland Project – Deep RiverRock Community Impact Award
A brilliant example of sport driving social impact.
👏 Thank you!!
@queenssportqub
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🏀 Big things are happening at St. Ciaran’s College! As proud partners of the Cleveland NI Basketball Project, there are thriving through high-energy BLITZ tournaments in Lisburn—building confidence, friendships, and a love for the game. 💥

Basketball is booming! With growing student interest and a new investment in top-quality acrylic backboards, they are committed to making the sport a lasting part of school life. 🏫💪

It’s more than a game—it’s about teamwork, opportunity, and building a healthier, stronger community. Let’s keep growing the game together! 🌍❤️ #ClevelandNI #StCiaransBasketball #BLITZtournament #GameChanger #YouthSports
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First summer run in the books! 💥
Our Cleveland All-Star girls hit the court in Dublin for a tough battle vs. Oblates BC. After a slow start, the girls locked in with strong drives, tough defense, and fast breaks to nearly steal the win. 💪🔥

Final score: Oblates 52 – Cleveland 48
Proud of the hustle. Big steps forward. Let’s keep it rolling! 🏀
#ClevelandAllStars #TheClevelandProject #GirlsBasketball #hoopsjourney
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🚨 Friendly in Dublin 🚨

Our Cleveland All-Stars took on Oblate BC in a hard-fought matchup! After a slow start, the boys found their rhythm, with standout performances from Mani, Igor, Jack, Mete, and Mylo 💪🔥

Final score: Oblate 50 – Cleveland 41
Plenty of promise. Big things ahead. 🏀🌍 #ClevelandAllStars #TheClevelandProject #BasketballJourney #FutureIsBright
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D1 Young Player of the Year - Caitlyn Gloeckner 🔥

Congratulations to our Cleveland Rockets team member Caitlyn on her award for the 2024/25 season. Very well deserved! 🚀🏀🙌

#ClevelandProjectNI #BasketballIreland #BasketballNI
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It's always a good day for basketball 😃
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If you've played this game then you know this moment 🔥

#ClevelandProjectNI #NorthernIreland #SportNI
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Schools coaching is back on for Term 3 🙌

#ClevelandProject #NorthernIreland #SchoolBasketball
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Cleveland-Northern Ireland International Basketball Academy. A company limited by guarantee and registered in Northern Ireland (NI729028).

Registered Office: 15 English Street, Downpatrick, BT30 6AP