CONNAUGHTON COURTS

How it Works

Wherever we install a Connaughton Court, it’s our goal to have a positive impact on every child in that community. With a strong connection to Pat Connaughton, our courts help break down barriers and teach student-athletes the translatable life skills of hard work, teamwork, leadership, accountability, discipline, and more.

Anyone is eligible to nominate a facility for a Connaughton Court. Among the primary criteria we consider are that the court must be used by young athletes and it must currently be in poor condition. If you would like to apply for a Connaughton Court, please complete an application below.

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Thanks very much for submitting your #ConnaughtonCourt applications!

With further questions, please reach out to Joe Stanton directly at jstanton@threeleafdevelopment.com

Completed Courts

St. John’s Prep

Danvers, MA

Donated Summer 2017

St. Augustine Prep

Milwaukee, WI

Donated Summer 2022

Silver Spring Neighborhood Center

Milwaukee, WI

Donated Summer 2023

Washington Park

Mukwonago, WI

Donated Summer 2024

Shooting Touch Rwanda

Rukara, Africa

Donated Summer 2024

Neighborhood House Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI

Donated Summer 2020

St. Marcus Lutheran

Milwaukee, WI

Donated Summer 2022

Milwaukee College Prep - 38th Street

Milwaukee, WI

Donated Summer 2023

Saint Jude the Apostle School

Wauwatosa, WI

Donated Summer 2024

Why Courts Matter

A basketball court is more than a place to shoot hoops. It’s where kids of all ages and backgrounds come together to play sports and learn valuable life lessons. 

Research proves that kids who are active in sports are less likely to drop out of school, use illegal substances, and engage in violence. With youth athletes often defaulting to coaches and trainers as their primary source for motivation and skill-building, it becomes a natural progression for them to learn life skills from those same mentors. More than just a game, organized sports help young athletes develop key attributes like character, discipline, and teamwork. 

#ConnaughtonCourts is about giving back to the community and paying it forward to the next generation of student athletes. With access to a #ConnaughtonCourt, the school or recreation center is able to extend its programming to outside athletic groups, and kids from all walks of life are given the opportunity to pursue their biggest dreams.

“The gym renovation at Neighborhood House of Milwaukee not only transformed a drab, dated 1960’s gym, it also energized the children and gave them great joy!”

— Niki Espy, Neighborhood House of Milwaukee

Court Programming

One of the coolest things about a #ConnaughtonCourt is the programming that comes with it. For years following a court’s completion, Pat Connaughton, himself, as well as the Pat Connaughton Foundation look forward to visiting the space and utilizing it to host events, such as camps and clinics. 

Gyms are a versatile asset of any organization. Not only can they be used for sporting events, but also PE classes, galas, fundraisers, community-based events, and much more. The quality and versatility of a #ConnaughtonCourt ensure that there is a substantial improvement to the facility, and an even bigger impact on the kids and the community.

FAQs

  • If you would like a court refurbished, please send a completed application, required attachments, and any prior grant outcome reporting electronically to Joseph Stanton.

  • The Pat Connaughton Foundation considers funding organizations that support youth education, health and wellness, athletics, and/or community development. Organizations must also be a good standing tax-exempt organization and be willing to adhere to site visits and regular reporting.

  • The Pat Connaughton Foundation generally will not fund organizations with less than two years of history, individuals, endowment or reserve funds, debt retirement or operating deficits, nor lobbying or legislative activities.

  • Connaughton Court installations take approximately 12-24 months from start to finish, depending on the job.

  • Every Connaughton Court is different, but materials can range from real maple hardwood to a composite of high-quality materials. Before beginning, we always make sure to consult with the basketball court owner to see what they prefer.

  • Yes, after a court is completed, PCF tries to do a grand opening. Additionally, Pat Connaughton also tries to hold a free camp or clinic at the new court.

  • Once the court is completed, PCF may run a camp or clinic at the court; however, the management of the court is done by the organization itself. PCF may also request reporting information from the organization once the court is complete.

Get Involved

Do you know of a facility that can benefit from a #ConnaughtonCourt, or are you interested in joining our mission? Get in touch with us today. We’d love to hear from you!