What is the Empire Athletics Foundation?
The Empire Athletics Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that every child with a passion for sports has the opportunity to participate, regardless of their financial background. Our goal is to provide accessible sports experiences by lowering participation costs and offering scholarships, with a focus on supporting minority communities who may not have had the chance to wear an Empire jersey.
Over the past few years, we have been committed to helping athletes through the challenges posed by the pandemic. While financial hardships have affected many—including our organization—we've worked hard to offer high-quality, free instruction to our athletes. In doing so, we've aimed to provide structure, consistency, and a sense of connection during a time when both are needed most.
Why?
As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of youth sports, we've taken the time to reflect on our mission and our goals. At Empire Youth Athletics, we strive to help develop the next generation into hard-working, resilient, and coachable individuals. We do this by offering top-tier coaching and training experiences while teaching life lessons that extend beyond the court or field.
As we continue to grow, we’ve realized that youth sports are becoming increasingly inaccessible. The rising costs of tournaments, uniforms, facilities, and quality coaching have created barriers for many families. This issue existed before the pandemic, but it's become even more pronounced as we see more kids left behind due to financial limitations. In response to this, we're excited to continue the work of the Empire Athletics Foundation—our nonprofit organization—dedicated to breaking down these barriers.
How Can You Help?
Over the next few weeks, we will be launching several fundraising initiatives, and we invite you to join us in supporting this important cause. If you're in a position to contribute, we would greatly appreciate your help in making youth sports more accessible for everyone.
Ready to donate now?
The Brandon Wilson Scholarship Fund
As many of you know, we tragically lost our beloved Coach and friend, Brandon Wilson, in a car accident. Coach Wilson was the embodiment of everything we strive for at Empire—compassion, excellence, and camaraderie. In a competitive environment, his top priority was always ensuring our athletes were improving, both on and off the court. He had a unique bond with his players and was loved deeply by his team and the entire Empire community.
After careful reflection and with the support of Coach Wilson’s family, we are honored to announce the continuation of his legacy through the Brandon Wilson Scholarship Fund, created by the Empire Athletics Foundation.
Coach Wilson had a vision for the growth of his team and the Empire program as a whole. He often said it was time to "take it up a notch" as his team was preparing to compete in tougher leagues and tournaments in the upcoming Spring and Summer seasons. We will continue his mission by expanding opportunities for our players in the same spirit of excellence and dedication that Coach Wilson instilled in all of us.
The Brandon Wilson Scholarship Fund will serve as a tribute to Coach Wilson’s unwavering commitment to his players and their future. The committee overseeing the fund will be led by Coach Leon Pursoo, Coach Wilson's childhood best friend and the program director of Empire Youth Athletics. In collaboration with other committee members, Coach Pursoo will ensure the funds are allocated to areas that will directly benefit the students, including high school and college tuition, travel and boarding for tournaments, and other related expenses.
Coach Wilson’s impact extended far beyond the basketball court—he touched the lives of countless players and coaches alike. He was well on his way to becoming one of the most respected coaches in the game. Rest in peace, Coach Brandon Wilson. Thank you for bringing light to so many. You will forever be missed, but your values will live on in everything we do at Empire. Through this scholarship fund, your name and mission will continue to inspire and uplift future generations within the Empire family.
Interested in donating to the Brandon Wilson Scholarship Fund?