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Student founder pitches 2 5 Athletics to Community Board 11 for youth sports access
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Summary
Nineteen‑year‑old Alashe Maka told Community Board 11’s Education, Culture & Youth Services Committee on April 9 that 2 5 Athletics aims to provide low‑cost sports programming for third‑ through 12th‑grade youth across the East Bronx and is seeking school partnerships, funding and gym space; a one‑day tournament at PS/MS 89 is set for May 2.
Alashe Maka, a 19‑year‑old NYU sport‑management student and founder of 2 5 Athletics, presented the nonprofit’s mission and early results to Community Board 11’s Education, Culture & Youth Services Committee on April 9.
Maka said he rebranded a prior program to 2 5 Athletics this January to create a “middle ground” for youth who want more structured competition but are not at elite club levels. He described the mission as providing “accessible and low cost opportunities” for marginalized Bronx neighborhoods and said the organization targets grades three through 12.
Maka cited early engagement metrics: he said the prior basketball program involved “over 250 players” during 2025 and that since rebranding in March 2026 two 5 Athletics events have included more than 80 players. He also described social media traction he is using to recruit participants and promote events. He announced a one‑day tournament at PS/MS 89 on May 2 that he said will start at 9 a.m.
Board members pressed on logistics and safety. Committee members advised Maka to begin with a school partnership and a demonstration event so principals can evaluate safety and staffing requirements; they highlighted custodial, administrator and security costs for Saturday indoor programming. One member suggested contacting parent coordinators if a principal does not respond.
Maka outlined likely overhead costs—referee fees, camera equipment and jerseys—and said he is paying some startup costs out of pocket. He asked the board for help identifying discretionary funding windows, introductions to elected officials and outreach pathways into nearby schools. The committee offered to share flyers on its channels and to facilitate introductions to local elected officials and school principals.
Board members and Maka discussed available facilities and partnerships. Maka said Bronx House declined to partner, which led him to form a 501(c)(3); committee members recommended inviting principals and elected representatives to future events so they can see programming in action.
The committee did not take a vote on funding or formal partnerships during the meeting. Members said they would post the May 2 flyer on committee channels if Maka provides materials and follow up on introductions and outreach.
