Welcome back: JVF Lions & Tigers Admissions Open

GUILFORD, Conn. — The James Vick Foundation today announced the return of JVF Lions Basketball and JVF Tigers Soccer, officially expanding JVF Athletics with two scholarship-based programs for boys ages 14–18.

The announcement marks a return to the Foundation's earliest athletic roots.

The first athletic program ever organized by the James Vick Foundation was a summer basketball league held at Yale University for at-risk youth. Shortly thereafter, the Foundation launched the JVF Tigers, a community soccer program composed primarily of immigrant families, using sport as a vehicle to bring young people together across cultures and backgrounds.

Those programs helped establish a philosophy that continues to guide the Foundation today: athletics can build character, strengthen communities, and create opportunities that extend well beyond competition.

The return of the Lions and Tigers represents the next chapter of that mission.

"This is a proud day for the James Vick Foundation as the organization continues its efforts to connect communities through sport," said Christian Vick, Founder and Executive Director of the James Vick Foundation. "Basketball and soccer have always been part of our story. The opportunity to welcome these programs back under JVF Athletics while continuing to serve young people is incredibly meaningful."

Both programs will begin with a 2027 Pilot Season, intentionally designed to establish the culture, standards, and long-term foundation of each team.

Scholarship Admissions are now open for:

🏀 JVF Lions Basketball

Boys Ages 14–18

⚽ JVF Tigers Soccer

Boys Ages 14–18

The James Vick Foundation does not conduct traditional open tryouts.

Instead, student-athletes are selected through the Foundation's Scholarship Admissions Process, which evaluates athletic ability alongside character, commitment, leadership potential, and alignment with the Foundation's mission.

The inaugural pilot season will include:

• Scholarship Admissions

• Training Camp beginning Spring 2027

• Spring and Summer competition schedule

• 16 atletes per a roster

• A long-term player development model

  
  

Families interested in scholarship admissions are encouraged to complete the appropriate admissions application below.

🏀 Apply for JVF Lions Basketball

⚽ Apply for JVF Tigers Soccer

With Scholarship Admissions now open, the James Vick Foundation looks forward to welcoming the inaugural classes of the JVF Lions and JVF Tigers and writing the next chapter in an athletic tradition that began years ago through the power of basketball and soccer.