Let's Do More in Florida – A Life Changing Basketball Journey
'Opportunity' is a word that will be woven into the fabric of LDM as we continue our exciting transition in 2025, and our next major announcement embodies this word as much as any other over the last 12 months. In July 2025, the U18 team will be given the opportunity of a lifetime as they make the trip over the Atlantic Ocean to the Sunshine State—Florida!
After a successful introductory trip last year with two of our standout players, Eseosa Arthur and Warren Priso, the vision was always to open up this fantastic experience to our 24/25 U18 team. This trip will provide an unforgettable experience—not just for the basketball exposure but also for the soft skills, cultural enrichment, and new friendships that come along with it.
Coaching session at DME Academy
LDM Basketball Academy graduates Warren Priso & Eseosa Arthur on the introductory trip in April 2024 at DME Academy.
Why Florida?
The state of Florida is renowned globally for its great weather, beautiful beaches, and, most importantly, its strong basketball culture. We are therefore extremely proud to be hosted by Daytona Beach-based DME Sports Academy, which will provide an incredible schedule of activities for our players, including:
Staying at DME Academy residences alongside groups from around the world
Participation in a Florida AAU tournament
Enrichment trips, including visits to local universities
Inspirational talks and coaching from friends and staff of DME Academy
The Journey Begins
Months of preparation have gone into making this trip possible. From securing funding and arranging travel logistics to intense training sessions, our team is committed to ensuring this is more than just a basketball tour—it’s a transformative experience.
For our young athletes, this trip will mark a significant milestone in their lives. From the moment we touch down in Florida, they will be stepping into an environment that challenges them to grow both on and off the court.
This trip is about more than just what happens on the court. We have also planned cultural experiences, educational visits, and personal development sessions. From exploring Florida’s landmarks to team-building activities, every moment will contribute to shaping our young athletes into well-rounded individuals.
One of the most powerful aspects of the trip is witnessing the growth in confidence and ambition among our players. Seeing them step out of their comfort zones, embrace new challenges, and realise their own potential is a reminder of why we do what we do at LDM.
The Impact and How You Can Help
To ensure this trip is accessible to all our players, we have been fundraising and are grateful for the support of our partners at Leeds City College and Vertu Jaguar Land Rover in helping us reach our fundraising milestone. However, we still need to raise additional funds to cover the remaining costs and ensure finances are not a barrier to this incredible opportunity.
We will be engaging in final fundraising activities over the next few months, and if you would like to support us, please consider contributing to our GoFundMe page. Every donation, no matter the amount, will go a long way in ensuring a great experience for this group of young men in July!
