When Megan Ryland couldn’t find basketball programming for her two daughters, she took matters into her own hands. Ryland launched an all-girls Jr. NBA program at the YMCA of Stephenville, Nfld.— one of the only all-girls Jr. NBA programs in the country.

Funded entirely by grants, the program fills a void in the Newfoundland and Labrador town with a population of roughly 6,500. Ryland helps coach and run the program, along with a team of volunteers, which has 40 participants all between the ages of 8-10, including her two daughters.

Earlier this month, Ryland discussed the impact the Jr. NBA program is having on the community and how she's enjoyed it thus far.

What’s it like coaching your daughters?

“Good, because they have the same passion I do, I think. It’s nice to pass that on and encourage. That’s the big thing — I knew they liked basketball and wanted to play. I wanted to give them that opportunity. They love it.”

What it’s like to be a part of the Jr. NBA program?

“It’s excellent. All of the girls got a basketball and a jersey — that really adds to the program forsure. I think they feel pretty proud to put that jersey on — it makes us feel more like a team. And for me as a coach, I love logging into Game Plan to get lots of great ideas. I feel a bit more confident with the program knowing that I’m incorporating activities and games that I know some are from Canada Basketball. I know that I’ve got the girls on the right track.

What’s it like for the participants to be a part of an all-girls program?

“I’ve coached co-ed sports as a physical education teacher. I think getting the girls all together definitely does a lot for their confidence. To see them all together, hanging out, and talking, having fun — it’s a real camaraderie.”

What do you hope the girls take away from being a part of the program?

“I would like them to see into the future and see that you can always play basketball. I’m almost 40-years-old and I’m coaching and I’ll still demonstrate the skills with them. I hope they can see this is not just for now and not just for when they’re in school — they’re learning skills that will last them forever and they’ll see that you can be involved with physical activity for life.”