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.
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
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...
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!
“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.”