PeacePlayers All-Stars
PeacePlayers All-Stars
The second pillar of PP-ME’s model is the All-Stars program, which provides Arab and Jewish participants, ages 10-25, to play on a fully integrated competitive team. All-Stars teams compete in the elite Israel Basketball Association’s elite youth league, and comprise the only mixed teams in the league. With increased frequency of contact and enhanced shared identity, the All-Stars program is proven to accelerate friendships while impacting the wider community.
• Joint Basketball Training – Arab and Jewish participants come together 2-3 times per week for intensive basketball training from local coaches. At least twice per year, players have the opportunity to train with renowned American coaches and players from the NCAA, NBA and WNBA.
• Competitive Games – All-Stars play weekly games with unaffiliated teams from around the country. The league schedule is created and games are refereed by the Israeli National Basketball Association. The competitive level of these teams, evidenced by the numerous championships they have won over the years, gives the program legitimacy and credibility even amongst skeptics and helps disseminate a powerful message to the wider community.
PeacePlayers Middle East partners with the Israel National Basketball Association (IBA).