36+ Years of Building Champions On and Off the Court
The Atlanta Celtics Youth Athletic Program began in 1990 because of the need to provide additional opportunities for students who loved sports and were interested in the possibility of a career in athletics.
What started with just one team has grown into an organization averaging twelve teams per season. Over the years, the Atlanta Celtics have become a household name to spring/summer basketball fans, college recruiters, high school students, evaluators, and professional scouts.
Because of the program's long-term success, sportswriters, prep school evaluators, and college coaches rate the Atlanta Celtics as one of the top grassroots programs in the nation.
Our reputation is built on the utmost integrity in collaborating with players, parents, coaches, and scouts — a standard we've upheld for over three decades.
We are dedicated to developing student-athletes by getting them qualified, accepted, and graduated from colleges throughout the country.
We feed into the lives of all students we serve, instilling values that will make them conscientious citizens and community leaders.
We cultivate the ability to make good decisions, think critically, and understand that worthwhile results come from hard work and careful planning.
We maintain the highest standards of integrity in all our relationships — with players, parents, coaches, scouts, and the community.
Georgia, the Carolinas, Florida, and Alabama continue to produce a high number of incredibly talented student-athletes. The competition to recruit those players is intense. Here's what sets the Atlanta Celtics apart:
More players have gone on to become McDonald All-Americans, play in the NBA, and coach at the college level from our organization than any other grassroots program.
Decades of relationships with college coaches and programs nationwide give our athletes a distinct advantage in the recruiting process.
There is no greater stamp of approval than alumni trusting us with their own children — second-generation Celtics now compete in the program.
Our teams compete at the highest levels across the Southeast, gaining visibility from scouts, evaluators, and media nationwide.
Service is at the core of who we are. We encourage our students to participate in three annual community events.
January — Saturday of MLK Weekend
We prepare box lunches and distribute them to the homeless living under the bridges in Metro Atlanta. This event teaches our students compassion and the importance of serving those in need.
November & December
Prior to Thanksgiving and Christmas each year, our students participate in food distribution programs, helping ensure families in our community have meals during the holiday season.
June & July
Our older students volunteer as counselors and instructors at basketball player development programs, giving them the opportunity to positively influence young people while teaching the game they love.
We hold a special place in our heart for those who have worn the Celtics jersey and gone on to achieve greatness.
More McDonald All-Americans have come through our program than any other grassroots organization.
Numerous Celtics alumni have reached the highest level, playing in the NBA and professional leagues worldwide.
Alumni have gone on to coach at the collegiate level, giving back to the game that shaped them.
Many former Celtics are living productive lives with their families, making meaningful differences in their communities.