Leadership

Earl is one of the founders and Directors of Northball Academy, driven by a profound passion for empowering children to reach their full potential. His dedication to building teams that foster positive change is reflected in every aspect of the organization.

Earl’s commitment goes beyond sports; he sees athletics as a means to instill purpose and confidence in young athletes while promoting holistic health. He believes each game is an opportunity to strengthen family bonds and cultivate unity.

Beyond his role at Northball Academy, Earl’s influence extends to his entrepreneurial ventures, including his co-founding of Hoops Haven. His mission to inspire individuals and encourage them to find a higher purpose is central to his work.

Earl is approachable and open-hearted, always ready for meaningful conversations. Feel free to connect with him during your visit—he values every interaction and is eager to engage with others.

Iyan is a co-founder and Director of Northball Academy, where he serves as the Operations Manager and Marketing Director. His journey is marked by resilience and transformation, shaped by his experiences growing up as a minority in Scarborough amidst challenges like violence and legal issues. A life-changing near-death experience prompted Iyan to reassess his priorities and commit to self-improvement and community service.

Determined to move past his difficulties, Iyan dedicated himself to education and outreach. He worked with youth programs at the Boys & Girls Club of Toronto, served as a Youth Counselor at The Scott Mission, and pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce with a focus on Marketing.

Iyan’s story is a powerful example of resilience and personal growth. With a deep connection to the community and an understanding of the struggles faced by inner-city youth, he is a motivating presence for those seeking positive change. His blend of business acumen and passion for community service makes him a key asset in managing operations and marketing at Northball Academy.

Friendly and approachable, Iyan welcomes conversations and is eager to connect with visitors to our program. Feel free to reach out and engage with him during your time at Northball Academy.

Deon serves as the Senior Head Coach and co-founder at Northball Academy, embodying leadership and mentorship with a deep commitment to nurturing young athletes. Growing up in Scarborough, Canada, Deon faced a lack of guidance and limited access to affordable athletic opportunities, yet his passion for basketball remained a central part of his identity.

Motivated by his experiences, Deon is dedicated to providing the support and opportunities he lacked to children and youth facing similar challenges. His love for the game has only grown stronger, driving his mission to shape and guide the next generation of athletes.

As a key figure in the Northball Academy program, Coach Deon exemplifies our core principles both on and off the court. His natural leadership and dedication to fostering growth are integral to the success of our athletes.

Warm-hearted and approachable, Coach Deon is always open to conversations and interactions with visitors. Feel free to connect with him during your time at Northball Academy—he’s eager to engage and offer his guidance.

Daniel Mullings, a first-generation Jamaican-Canadian from Scarborough, Toronto, is a distinguished professional basketball player, youth coach, and entrepreneur. His basketball journey began at age 7, leading him from Sir Wilfrid Laurier High School to a standout college career with the New Mexico State Aggies, where he became the university’s all-time leader in career steals and the 4th all-time leading scorer. His nine-year professional career took him across the globe, including stints in Germany, China, Israel, and most recently with the CEBL’s Scarborough Shooting Stars, where they won the 2023 Championship.

Now transitioning from professional basketball, Daniel is channeling his vast experience into his role as a mindfulness life coach and Co-Founder of Unlocked Soulz Inc. and the Unlocked Soulz Youth Wellness Foundation. His focus is on bringing mindfulness and personal growth benefits to underserved youth, particularly those in his Scarborough community. Daniel’s latest endeavors include coaching at Royal Crown School, Canada’s leading basketball prep school, and serving as a management coach at Northball Academy, where he is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of athletes both on and off the court.

Mecha Clarke, a first-generation Caribbean Canadian from Scarborough, Toronto, began her career in graphic design before transitioning into User Experience (UX) design and research. Her innovative approach has significantly impacted the digital client experience at Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

In 2023, Mecha became a certified mindfulness life coach, driven by her commitment to underserved communities. She co-founded Unlocked Soulz Inc. and the Unlocked Soulz Youth Wellness Foundation, where she plays a key role in shaping and implementing wellness initiatives for youth. Her dedication to integrating mindfulness with athletics aligns seamlessly with her role at Northball Academy, where she serves as the Mindfulness & Mental Resilience Coach.

At Northball Academy, Mecha brings her extensive background in design and mindfulness to create a supportive environment for young athletes. Her role involves teaching mindfulness techniques, promoting mental resilience, and fostering a balanced approach to personal and athletic development. By blending her expertise in UX design with her passion for holistic wellness, Mecha is dedicated to helping athletes enhance their performance both on and off the court while building mental strength and emotional well-being.