‘A Brotherhood’: Edmonton Brothers Basketball program at risk of shutting down

Edmonton Brothers Basketball (EBB) was started about seven years ago as a way to give underserved, marginalized youth and men between 12-and-22 years-old that sense of belonging.

Over the years, it’s gone from serving North Edmonton to city wide, hosting competitive leagues and offering low registration fees because of the people it serves.

Jabriil Dhimbil has been shooting hoops in this program since he was 16-years-old, 5 years later he still comes out every Saturday to coach.

“I noticed that it was bigger than basketball for us, it was more of a brotherhood,” said Dhimbil.” “People I call brothers today but were just strangers once upon a time as well.”

The program could be hitting its final buzzer. EBB is facing financial difficulties and hoping a GoFundMe gives them a buzzer beater to keep going.

“Many youths as well who’ve struggled in between certain lifestyles have developed better ways and become more disciplined through the program,” said Sharmarke Abdulkarim, founder.

This program has large ambitions since EBB has competitive leagues and have won championships. They have dreams of travelling to tournaments in the US and take their game international.

For now, EBB just wants to keep the lights on. Any money donated will go towards making another season possible including gym rentals, uniforms, and paying registration fees for kids who can’t afford it.

“It is more than basketball for me,” said Abdulkarim. “It’s a community involvement, engagement, helping those that can’t help themselves.”

“This program has shaped me to become who I am and the generation after us might not get that,” said Dhimbil.