AboutSYP
It isn’t just about business… Learn about our story and the impact we have made over time.
About us
StrideYourPassion was founded in 2016 by Christophe Varidel, a former NCAA and professional basketball player from Switzerland, with the aim to offer the next generation of basketball players the structure he wished he had growing up.
Trough StrideYourPassion, he has set on a mission to help players reach their fullest potential and devellop through basketball. Watch the presentation video to learn more about the program.
NON-PROFIT ASSOCIATION (2018-2024)
It is after SYP Founder Christophe Varidel took a trip to Guinea-Bissau in 2017 that the idea of funding a non-profit association was born. Why couldn’t SYP make a difference beyond the frontiers of Switzerland?
In 2018, the SYP Basketball Academy was born, and the preparation for our first project in Bissora, Guinea-Bissau started.
Basketball Academy
We are very fortunate to live in a place where infrastructures are adequate for the practice of sport. Unfortunately, this is not the case for everyone around the world. We can not fix the world, but we can help some people…. Read our report to learn about our work from 2018 to 2022.
GUINEA-BISSAU
The town of Bissorã, Guinea-Bissau holds a special place in our heart.
After conducting the renovations of the public playground at distance, we flew on spot in December 2018 to conduct coaching workshops and a 5-day basketball camp for the youth of the town.
The time we spent in Bissora was easily one of the most meaningful experience of our lives.
Cherry on the cake, the Academy perdured and basketball is now one of the main sports in Bissora. Today, the Academy holds 4 teams and about 40 boys and girls, and regularly competes in tournamants around the country.
TANZANIA
It is in 2019 that we have started to plan an ambitious project in Ukonga, Tanzania.
The plan was to build from scratch a basketball court for the community of Ukonga, a known basketball program struggling to gain court access.
After securing the necessary amount of over $15’000, we worked through a local construction partner to build a count for the Juhudi Secondary School.
The construction was halted multiple time due to different on spot problems, but it was finally completed during the summer of 2022.
Read more about the process of building this basketball count on the report.
ALUMNI
Since 2016, we have worked with over 30 players who have gone on to represent the youth national teams, with several also earning full scholarships to play for universities in the USA (NCAA), and some who are now part of the Senior National team. We feel grateful to have been part of their basketball journeys <3.
STill ballin
Toni Rocak
Pro in Croatia, Swiss National Team
Laurent Zoccoletti
Pro in CH & Iceland, Swiss National Team
Achile Spadone
Bucknell University (NCAA I), Swiss National Team
Matteo Piccarelli
Temple University (NCAA I), Italian Youth National Teams
Niko Rocak
Youth National Teams, UC Davis (NCAA I)
Jacques Safra
Youth National Teams, Mayville Uni. (NAIA), LNB Switzerland
Nilan Rungasami
Youth National teams, CNBS, Pro LNA
Yafet Haile
Uni of Central Missouri (NCAA II)
Moritz Schneider
Pro A, Germany
Nicolo Isotta
U20 National Teams, Pro in Italy
Alessio Solazzi
Blu Basket Academy, Italy
Will Higgs
Northfield Mount Hermon (Prep), NCAA DI offers
Kelechi Obim
Youth National Teams, LNA, LNB
Oliver Sassella
Youth National teams, CNBS
Andre Donnelly
Lugano Tigers, LNA
Noah Tolu Frueh
Youth National Team, LNA
Vera Teising
Italian Youth NT, LNA
Fleury Ayubu
Youth National team, Formation center, France
Training & Camps
The StrideYourPassion training camps are designed to fit the physical and psychological development of young basketball players and offer a well adapted basketball curriculum aimed at athletic improvement, skills development and understanding of basketball and team concepts.
The level of players who attend the SYP training camps ranges from beginners to the very elites of basketball in Switzerland. Over the last 8 years, we have been trusted by over 30 current and former Switzerland Youth National Team members.
Programm presentation
Get to know more about our program for young basketball players, designed to help them create and stabilize their basketball journey, and learn about the three stages of player development.
Testimonials
what they say...
EXCELLENT Based on 25 reviews Ismail Sokmen06/07/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Another year passed, and my kids still enjoy the camps very much. We just finished the Oct'23 camp, and my kids cannot wait to go again to the new year, spring and summer camps. Thank you Chris for making these camps so fun and also helping the kids to improve their skills and develop new ones. For the parents: If your kids have not yet tried these camps, I would encourage you/them to try. You will not regret :) Ismail --- I posted below last year. Since then, it has been more than 6 times that my kids went to the camp. Each time the camp finishes they ask me to register to the next one. This tells a lot how much they like it. As a parent, I like the professionalism and the atmosphere the coaches create. We are fans of this camps! Thank you Chris and all the Coaches! daiana robasto27/05/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The best teachers and environment, my son is very happy to go, there is really an encouraging and happy vibe. It is sport and fun, and fun and sport: strongly suggested! Cristian Neagu06/04/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic team. Super motivating. Highly recommended! Yannick Nardin18/02/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mon fils a participé pour la 3e fois aux camps SYP: il apprend énormément, avec beaucoup de plaisir. Il est entraîné par des coachs qui jouent au plus au niveau. Cherisse Gasana29/01/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our sons had (and continue having) a very positive experience with StrideYourPassion camps and Sunday trainings. Over the years, the regular camps and Sunday sessions have not only enhanced our boys' basketball abilities but have also cultivated a strong work ethic and a profound love for the game. The environment at the camp strikes a perfect balance between nurturing and challenging, ensuring skill development is as enjoyable as it is effective. Under the exceptional guidance of Christophe and the coaches at StrideYourPassion, our boys have shown remarkable growth in both their skills and character. We highly recommend this camp to any aspiring basketball player, whether they are just starting out or looking to elevate their game. Magdalena Mazany07/01/2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great camps, professional coaches and a lot of fun and progress for young players! My son did 2 camps and he can’t wait for the next one. Lydia WMB31/10/2023Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best BASKETBALL camp ever ! Thanks to great coaches, learned a lot and lots of fun at the same time. Robert c28/10/2023Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Top! Des coachs attentifs et très professionnels, à l’écoute de chacun enfant, tout a été parfait ! Bravo à tous Nathalie Neagu Secretan22/10/2023Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Camp au top! Notre fille a fait de grands progrès dans une chouette ambiance, elle n'a qu'une envie, y retourner!!
Some more feedback...
We have served a lot of players since 2016… Find out what they have to say about our different products & services…
The Book
Euroleague player
“Win the Day is an inspiring read, filled with so much knowledge and guidance for aspiring basketball players.”
NCAA Coach
“Win the Day took me back to the times I was dreaming of a basketball future. The examples were on point and complemented any concepts nicely. I recommend this book to athletes of all ages and levels.”
Professional Player
To read all of these stories of players who made their dreams a reality despite many obstacles gave me an immense boost of motivation!"
17 years old
“If you are a parent, your kids will rebel against your advices. They will however follow the guidance of guys they can admire and relate to. Win the Day is THE book your basketball kid needs.”
Parent
“Christophe provides some great insights and strategies for players to maximize their potential. Any player looking to dedicate their lives to improving their basketball game can truly benefit from this book.”
NCAA Coach
"I never read... but I read Win the Day 2x in a row. It is such a complete ressource for someone like me pursuing basketball excellence."
College Player, Canada
"I read Win the Day twice, and I underlined the key parts. Before the games, I re-read the parts to prepare mentally."
15 years old
MyStride Mentorship
"A game Changer. Not only my playing time and my role in the team increased DURING the mentorship, but I have also implemented the teaching in other areas of my life: for example, my reading and stretching habits have gotten much more consistent."
LNA player
"Basketball means so much to me. Having someone knowledgable fully committed to guide me is immensely valuable"
16 years old
"I put so much energy into basketball. Working with MyStride helped me channel this energy and focus on the small details that made big differences overtime. I recommend this program to any player who is passionate about developing themselves."
16 years old
"Not only I was guided during the length of the program, but I also learned how to manage and structure my practices. Today, I still apply the principles I learned during the mentorships"
15 years old
"Before working with Chris, my trainings lacked structure and focus... Through the program, I was able to create specific routines that helped my game tremendously."
17 Years old
"Doing the MyStride mentorship over summer (2023) allowed me to make the jump from U16 Regional to U16 National. It was not easy, but it would not have been possible without it."
16 years old
Camps & Trainings
"Dear Christophe, I wanted to express my heartfelt thanks for the basketball camp held last week. This spring camp and sunday trainings contributed a lot to the development of my son (...). The amazing photographs truly captured the spirit of the event and the enriching experiences provided were instrumental in his growth and enjoyment of basketball. Thank you once again for all your dedication and effort."
"Merci pour cette super semaine de basketball. Tout était parfait et notre fils a adoré et se réjouit de repasser une semaine de camp avec vous! Merci"
"Bonjour, Un tout grand merci pour ce camp. A**** et A****** ont eu beaucoup plaisir à y participer, tant pour le côté sport que pour le côté ambiance. Merci aussi au papa qui a partagé les photos."
Meditations & Visualisations
"I listen to the meditation at night. It allows me to work on my shooting, and as a bonus, it relaxes me and helps me sleep faster."
16 years old
Get in Touch With us
Have questions or ready to elevate your game? We’re here to help! Contact us to learn more about our basketball programs. Fill out the form below, or drop us an email & we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. Let’s start your journey to becoming a better player today!
+41 79 946 70 56
“It’s extremely important to have a deep love for the game to take on every obstacles that will come your way. This book will keep you on the path, strengthen your love, and heighten your focus on the the short term and long term.”