Playin’ It Forward Sports, Inc. (PIFS) is a non-profit, 501c3 organization founded by a group of individuals who had a dream of creating a new model for competitive youth sports. A model that focuses on the whole child and not just the child as an athlete. A model that uses sport participation for skill development as well as developing leadership, character, and the value of “Playing It Forward” by reaching out and helping others.

PIFS provides opportunities to participate in club basketball activities through the Triangle Blazers Basketball Club. The club is based in Cary, North Carolina.  It is lead by Michael Dixon (Coach Michael) who serves as the volunteer director.  Coach Michael has been coaching with the club since its first season in 2009.  He has a Gold Coach License (license # 41791407) from USA Basketball (USAB).  USAB is recognized as the governing body for basketball in the United States.  Coach Michael is also a member of the National Association of Basketball coaches.

Coach Michael has been using basketball to help young people prepare to compete in the game of life for over 30 years. He played high school basketball for the Scotland Neck Lions. Coach Michael got his start teaching the game at a camp after completing his freshman year at North Carolina A and T State University. He earned a masters degree from North Carolina State University and completed post graduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

When not coaching young people, Coach Michael coaches adults. He has worked in the Training and Staff Development field for the last 20 years. Coach Michael is available for individual coaching for youth and adults.  He and his wife live in Cary.

Mission and Core Values

The mission of the Triangle Blazers Basketball Club is to use basketball to teach life skills and help young men entrusted in our care to become the best they decide they want to be on and off the court by focusing on three core values:

• Playing Hard
• Playing Smart
• Playing Together

and the Blazer ABCs of

• Accountability
• Bravery
• Caring

To contact the club, please email coachmichael@playinitforward.com