NEW YORK — The New York Knicks have teamed up with the YMCA in Queens to keep kids off the streets and out of trouble.

Dozens of youngsters got a chance to meet and receive pointers from former Knick John Wallace on Saturday at the Jamaica Y thanks to a special partnership between the YMCA and the Knicks organization. 

For Ahmed Conde, a sixth grader who comes to the Jamaica YMCA six times a week, playing basketball in a safe and supportive environment beats the alternatives. 

What You Need To Know

  • The New York Knicks have partnered with the YMCA for four weeks of "Saturday Night Lights" basketball programs for kids

  • "Saturday Night Lights" is available every Saturday in more than 100 community centers citywide to help keep kids out of trouble and off the streets

  • Over the next three Saturdays, members of the Knicks organization will be visiting YMCAs in Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island

“It means so much to me, because I get to learn here,” Conde said. "I could stay out of the streets and I can do something and make my dreams come true."

The 11 year old, who feels most at home on the basketball court, hopes to one day play for the NBA. 

“It inspires a lot to me,” said Conde. “[Wallace is] teaching me some moves, so I can get ready to make it to the NBA.” 

Wallace said he was more than happy to participate in the first of four "Saturday Night Lights" programs involving the Knicks and the YMCA. The program is offered every week in more than 100 community centers citywide. It seeks to provide a safe alternative to keep kids out of trouble.  

“I was in a YMCA summer camp as a kid, so to come back here to help and be a part of this is awesome,” Wallace said. 

City Council Member Nantasha Williams is very familiar with the Jamaica Y. As a teenager, Williams would come to the site for after school and summer school programs. 

Williams said she was proud to see the children respond so positively to a program that not only kept her safe, but introduced her to positive role models.

“We know when you’re hanging on the block, you might get into some trouble,” Williams said. “There’s a lot of different distractions and things that you could get into, and so having the Jamaica YMCA, with this 'Saturday Night Lights' program, is so important, especially as we crawl our way out of the pandemic."

"So this provides a productive, positive safe space for our young folks," Williams added. 

Over the next three Saturdays, members of the Knicks organization will be visiting YMCAs in Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island.