BLAINE, Minn. (September 18, 2024) – The National Sports Center (NSC) in Blaine is excited to announce a multi-year partnership with Dream Big Hoops to expand basketball training opportunities and offerings to local youth.
This partnership between the two non-profit organizations perfectly blends both organizations’ goals to provide athletic opportunities to youth athletes while helping players grow and develop as people and players.
“We’re thrilled to open our new 4-court basketball training facility, designed to elevate the skills and experiences of players of all ages. This state-of-the-art space will not only enhance athletic performance but also focus on building leadership, mental toughness, and character building with every athlete we touch. We’re excited about the positive impact this facility will have on our community, empowering athletes to grow both on and off the court,” stated Pat Freeman, founder of Dream Big Hoops.
Dream Big Hoops foundation provides opportunities for youth to participate in basketball programs, promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and personal development that include customized training, camps, clinic, leagues, academies and more.
The Sports Expo on the National Sports Center Campus will be home to Dream Big Hoops. The facility is currently being upgraded with new flooring, hoops, nets and more. New programs will be offered starting October 1, 2024. For more information visit:
Fast Facts:
Location: NSC Sport Expo Center, 1750 105th Ave NE, Blaine, MN 55449.
Hours: 3pm-9pm weekdays, 9am-2pm weekends
Training Offerings: Monthly training packages, 3rd-4th grade skills academy, K-2 program, invite training, leagues and more!
Trainer Biographies:
Pat Freeman, Coach
Pat began his training business back in 2007 when he was a senior in high school. Pat has always been passionate about working with kids and helping them achieve their goals. He has 17 years of individual, small group, and team training experience and currently spends the majority of his time in the northwest suburbs.
As a player, Pat played high school basketball at Champlin Park High School where he was a 2-year starter and team captain. From there, Pat went on to play college ball at Saint Mary’s University in Winona. He started 70 games for the Cardinals over a 4-year stretch and earned Honorable-Mention All-MIAC honors in 2012.
After graduating, Pat worked for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx for 4 years. During this time, he directed basketball camps, player clinics, and training. He was also a member of the Minnesota Lynx practice team. In 2017, Pat accepted a full-time position with Midwest 3 on 3 and now runs all camps/clinics.
In January of 2021, Pat opened up his first facility in Brooklyn Park specializing in shooting & ball handling with players grades 5 – 12. MBT opened their second location in Blaine on October 1st, 2022 followed by Maple Grove in May of 2023 and Rogers in December of 2023. As a trainer, Pat works with kids of all ages including youth associations, high school, college, and professional players. Pat currently resides in Brooklyn Park with his wife Natalie, and their kids Caleb, Leah, and Brielle.
Blaine Facility Director: Ian Smith
- Playing Experience: Champlin Park & Northern State
- Coaching Experience: Two years with MBT
- Why do you train: “Inspire the youth! Training brings me nothing but joy when a kid leaves the gym with a smile, positive energy, and feeling like they got better, while being challenged and having fun!”
- Favorite Athlete: Kobe
About the National Sports Center
The National Sports Center (NSC) is Minnesota’s premier amateur sports destination, hosting nearly 300 events annually, and welcoming over 4 million visitors annually. The NSC generates over $80 million in annual economic impact.
Components of the facility include a 690-acre campus located in Blaine, Minnesota; the eight-sheet NSC Super Rink; a basketball/volleyball court facility, a meeting and convention building; the Victory Links golf course; an indoor Sports Hall with a FieldTurf field; a residence hall; a seasonal dome with FieldTurf fields and 50 grass soccer fields.
The NSC is the training home of Minnesota United FC, a MLS professional soccer club, Dream Big Hoops Basketball and the US Women’s National Hockey team:
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
RSS