Flagship event will expand its reach in 2023
The 3rd annual 804 Coaches For Change Community Classic returns December 28-30 at the new, state-of-the-art Henrico Sports & Events Center. The event is split into four separate four-team basketball tournaments, two for girls and two for boys. However, the Classic is much more than basketball.
The Classic is a four-day event that will be used as a backdrop to promote unity and honor those making a difference in our schools and community. It begins with a banquet dinner for all participating teams on Wednesday, December 27. The student-athletes will hear from a variety of area difference makers on how they can continue to impact positive change. On Dec. 28, four girls varsity basketball
games will be played, and the following day, four boys varsity basketball games will be contested. The final day will have eight contests in all, including four championship games.
Before each contest, a Community MVP will be honored from each school. Youth will be recognized throughout the event as well, as various groups are slated to attend. The Richmond Times-Dispatch is a partner of this year’s tourney, and will provide special coverage of the event. Former All-Metro legends will be honored in a nod to the former RTD tourney, which inspired 804CFC’s event.
“This is a huge opportunity for our organization to be on a bigger stage and continue to spread our message of unity and change in our community,” 804CFC president and founder Darryl Watts said. “We are excited for the opportunity.”
Schedule/Info – All games take place at the Henrico Sports & Events Center.
Thursday, Dec. 28 | Girls Games
2:00 pm – BSH vs. St. Catherine’s
3:45 pm – Matoaca vs. Hanover
5:30 pm – Henrico vs. Glen Allen
7:30 pm – Monacan vs. Collegiate
Friday, Dec. 29 | Boys Games
2:00 pm – Hanover vs. Armstrong
3:45 pm – Collegiate vs. Meadowbrook
5:30 pm – Carmel vs. St. Christopher’s
7:30 pm – Matoaca vs. Hermitage
Saturday, Dec. 30
Girls – Consolation Games, 9:30 and 11 am; Championship Games, 3:30 and 5 pm
Boys – Consolation Games, 12:30 and 2 pm; Championship Games, 6:30 and 8 pm
Along with the banquet and opportunity to play in a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility, participating student-athletes will also have access to financial literacy workshops with Virginia Credit Union, and receive proven and proactive tools from Peavey Project to enhance their mental health performance.
Other supporters of the Community Classic include Anthem HealthKeepers Plus, Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority, Doswell Orthodontics, RiverFront Investment Group, Team Richmond, Jacob’s Chance, Trolley House Hospitality, Cover One, and Befriend, to name a few.
The nonprofit Befriend was founded by Mollie Reinhart in 2017. The group has been in lockstep with 804 Coaches for Change since the nonprofit’s inception in 2020. They teamed up with the Leadership & Achievement Academy for Community Nights at the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club and the Calhoun Investment Center, providing youth in those communities with basketball fundamentals, life
skills, mentorship, food, t-shirts and lifelong friendships. This in part helped 804 Coaches for Change receive the Courage Award at the inaugural RVA Sports Awards in 2022 for its work in the community.
Befriend inspires a lifestyle of curiosity, connection and compassion for all. They offer experiences for people to connect with others different from themselves, foster understanding & create friendships that empower people and communities to thrive. Our theme, “we are all more alike than different,” celebrates our common humanity and unifies our community,“ Reinhart said.
804 Coaches for Change also created and participated in other community builders, including their own Middle School basketball league, CARE (Conversations About Race and Equality) League, Town Hall Zooms, free coaching clinics for youth basketball coaches, backpack giveaways and various speaking engagements around the Richmond area supporting like minded partners. On November 5, 2023 the group partnered with The Speed Team to put on a speed clinic for 75 youth, and hosted a meeting on sports careers this past August, adding to its rolodex of impactful events.
Advanced tickets are on sale now online HERE. One-day tickets are $12 and a tournament pass is $20. Special ticket pricing is available until December 11. Afterward, one-day tickets will be $15 and tournament passes $25. The dinner is invite only and closed to the public.
For more information on 804 Coaches for Change, visit http://www.804coach4change.org, email at 804coachesforchange@gmail.com and follow on social media @804coach4change.
For more information on Befriend, contact Mollie Reinhart, Ed. M. at 804.921.8207 or
mollie@befriendmovement.org. Befriend’s website is http://www.befriendmovement.org, and you can follow them on Instagram @befriend.movement.
