Changing Lives For Good
Whether you are a basketball fan or not, if you care about creating better lives and great futures for at-risk youth, this is a story you want to hear.
Rain Basketball coaches at-risk-youth to set big goals, work harder than they have ever worked in their lives, and develop the character they need to succeed in life on and off the court.
Stephen Beseda founded a basketball club in 2010 because he understood from personal experience the power of sports to change lives. For Beseda, the sport that changed his life was basketball. And – thanks to the huge network of collegiate basketball coaches they have built relationships with over the years, 90% of the players on Rain’s junior and senior level tournament teams are offered college scholarships. But the most compelling part of this story is told by the players in Rain’s scholarship program – how the lives of at-risk youth are transformed, giving them their best shot at a great future.
Why It Matters
Today’s youth face extraordinary mental health challenges. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 4 in 10 high school students felt persistently sad or hopeless in the past year, and nearly 1 in 5 seriously considered suicide. Anxiety, depression, and social isolation have become defining features of adolescence, exacerbated by pandemic disruptions, increased screen time, family instability, and community violence.
Organized sports like Rain Basketball offer an antidote. They provide positive peer networks, safe and structured environments, and trusted adult mentors—elements that research shows can dramatically reduce the risk of emotional distress and risky behaviors. Participation in sports is associated with higher self-esteem, improved academic performance, and stronger emotional regulation.
According to the Youth Sport Trust (2023), secondary students engaged in school sports demonstrate significantly higher mental resilience and a greater sense of belonging. And the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition reports that youth athletes are 73% more likely to stay active into adulthood and 45% more likely to report high life satisfaction.
In a time of deep need, Rain Basketball offers more than training.
Success Stories
Today’s youth face mounting mental health challenges, but programs like Rain Basketball provide a powerful response.
By offering safe environments, positive peer networks, and trusted mentors, Rain helps counteract anxiety, depression, and isolation. Youth sports participation is proven to boost self-esteem, academic performance, emotional regulation, and long-term well-being—making Rain Basketball more than just a training ground. It offers hope, healing, and human connection.
73% Stay active into adulthood
45% Report high life satisfaction
Higher Mental Resilience in student athletes
Greater Sense of belonging through sports
Improved Academic performance with participation
How Donations Help
How Donations Help
Donations provide funds for scholarships for at-risk youth to participate in its program. The annual cost for a student for the 11-month program is $3000, and covers coaching fees, tournament fees, court costs, uniform packages and insurance. This price tag puts the program out of reach for many of the students that need it most. Scholarships open the door to opportunity, growth, and education for these youth.
Wrap-Around Support services for Families in Need
Donations sustain and expand the support programs Rain offers through its partnerships with mental health organizations, educational institutions, tutoring, food assistance, and other practical help for struggling families. Contributions also offset the travel costs for tournaments, allowing more students to participate and potentially to be recruited by college basketball coaches.
Help Us Make It Rain!
In basketball, the term “rain” means a player is making all his shots – thus the name Rain Basketball – “We make it rain!” Your gift will make it rain for so many young people, boys and girls, who will have a chance to make all their shots in life.
Partnerships and Memberships
Who We Serve
Denver, CO | Aurora, CO | Irvine, CA | Laverne, CA
Colorado
Colorado
California
California
Donate Today
All gifts are fully tax deductible and support scholarships and support programs for players and their families.
Tax ID: 83-1516549 | Rain Basketball USA™
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Rain Basketball
2989 South Zeno Court
Aurora, CO 80013
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Board of Directors
President
Stephen Beseda
Email Stephen >
Vice President
Chris Guild
Treasurer
Santiago Rydelski
Secretary
Tara Beseda
Operations Manager
Jason Simon