TDSA is a sports-based youth development organization that combines basketball training and competition with enrichment programs to promote college and career readiness, social emotional learning, community service, and overall physical and mental health. We are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of young people in Southeast Queens and NYC in general, and creating opportunities for their future.

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Our mission is to empower under-served youth with the life and leadership skills necessary for success on the court, in the classroom, in the community, and throughout their careers.

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Co-founder, Trevor Portwine, often shares that basketball opened doors for him and his brother, provided them their college education, and the relationships and access they needed to become successful entrepreneurs and community leaders.

 

TDSA aims to continue that legacy.

TDSA was founded in the summer of 1993 as Terror Dome Basketball by brothers, Trevor and Ted Portwine, both well-known NYC basketball players - operating out of East Springfield Park at PS/MS 147 in Cambria Heights, Queens. The park is known as "The Terror Dome", so named for the intense style of basketball played there and the dominance of its players among the ranks of New York City streetball.

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Years later, as local schools were being closed, after-school programs were discontinued, and drugs and gang violence were running rampant in the neighborhood, it became apparent that Terror Dome needed to be about more than just basketball. We had an opportunity and an obligation to make a difference in our own community. 

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For the past 30 years, Terror Dome has successfully mentored over 2,500 young people. Terror Dome alumni can be found among local politicians, community activists, established and emerging business leaders, NBA players and coaches, lawyers, doctors, scientists, engineers, chefs, artists and entertainers, teachers, and civil servants.