ABOUT US
WHO WE ARE
In 2015, Ireland co founded the, AI3 Leadership Academy, which serves as our basketball division that works to nurture young minds to be the best that they can be as leaders, on and off the basketball court in the Greater Waterbury areas.
In 2021, Ireland then started our non profit foundation which focuses on the personal and social development of the community by encouraging them to do what they love, be involved in community engagement, interact in positive social change and develop valuable attributes and characteristics that will help them thrive individually and collectively as young adults and responsible citizens.
OUR MISSION
Through the enhancement of body, mind, and spirit, enable our youth to develop the life and leadership skills necessary to assume future leadership roles in the community.
MEET OUR FOUNDER
ANTHONY IRELAND
Welcome to The Leadership University, where the passion for leadership and personal growth is championed by our founder, Anthony Ireland. With an impressive career that spans both professional basketball and education, Anthony brings a unique blend of discipline, teamwork, and vision to The Leadership University.
Anthony Ireland's journey to founding The Leadership University is as dynamic as it is inspiring. His career in basketball is marked by remarkable achievements and experiences. Anthony played collegiate basketball at Loyola Marymount University, where he went on to become a 3-time WCC All Conference standout. His exceptional skills and leadership on the court earned him numerous accolades, including All-American honors. After college, Anthony pursued a professional basketball career. He had a short stint with the Los Angeles Lakers in summer league before embarking on a decade long European career playing in several of the top international leagues, France, Poland, Greece, Russia, Portugal, Hungary, and Spain
Anthony Ireland is a proud graduate of Loyola Marymount University, where he earned his degree in African American studies with a minor in Psychology. His time at LMU not only provided him with a solid academic foundation but also ignited his passion for teaching and leadership.
MEET OUR BOARD MEMBERS
JOE SUMMA
Joe is a native of Waterbury, Connecticut, and has spent the majority of his life in the Naugatuck Valley area. He was educated at Sacred Heart High School and Wesleyan University before earning his degree in labor law and organizational behavior from Cornell University and subsequently obtaining a law degree from the University of Connecticut. In his professional career, Joe focuses on employee relations, union avoidance, litigations, contract negotiations, and arbitrations. Outside of his professional life, Joe is a lifelong member of Fairlawn Park and the Greater Waterbury YMCA, where he is actively involved in various community activities and initiatives.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between Leadership University and AI 3 Leadership Academy? The Leadership University is our non-profit division that focuses on community, programming, and taking a holistic approach to youth and adult development. The AI 3 Leadership Academy is our basketball division where we host camps, clinics, events, leagues, along with individual and group training.
Where do I sign up? You can register for any of our programs, camps, or events on our website.
How can I get my kid involved in basketball training? You can reach out to us via email at ai3leadershipacademy@yahoo.com or you can schedule a group or individual session using out website training scheduling.
Where is the training located? Basketball Training is located at 56 Gaffney Place, Rose Hill Annex (Behind Greater Waterbury YMCA)
How much does training cost? Our individual, 1-1, training costs, $80 Our Group training costs, $50
How can I schedule my son/daughters training session? You can book dates and times with us using our calendar on the website. That will allow you to freely schedule your own times.
Do you offer packages for your training? Yes, a package of 5 sessions for individual training is $400 A package for 10 sessions of individual training is, $700 A package of 5 for group training is $250 A package of 10 for group training is $400
Where is camp? Since, 2018 our annual AI 3 camp has been held at Crosby High School.
What is the Leadership University? The Leadership University is our non-profit organization which focuses on taking a holistic approach to youth and adult development. Our mission is, “Through the enhancement of body, mind, and spirit, enable our youth to develop the life and leadership skills necessary to assume future leadership roles in the community.
What is the AI 3 Leadership Academy? The AI 3 Leadership Academy is our basketball division where we focus on conducting camps, events, leagues, clinics, speaking engagements along with individual and group training.
Address? Our office address is 228 Meadow Street, Waterbury CT 06702
What do we do? Our focus as a company is providing various programming opportunities to our community while also providing opportunities using the game of basketball to implement life skills and lessons.
What areas do we provide services to? Greater Waterbury and the State of Connecticut.
What types of services? Mentorship Programs, Youth Employment Programs, Career Readiness Programs, Basketball Camps, Basketball Clinics, along with group and individual training.
How do I get my son or daughter in the programs you offer? Prior to programming beginning, we will have an open enrollment where you can register them. We will also send out notices via our website and socials.
What program is the youth workforce employment? Our youth employment program begins July 1st – August 15th. It is a youth initiative program that focuses on providing the participants with job and work, life skills. This program serves Waterbury, CT.
How do I contact staff? You can contact staff via email at ai3leadershipacademy@yahoo.com
How to apply or get involved with The Leadership University? You can reach out to us during the times of open enrollment for our programming. Updates and news will be posted throughout our socials and website.
Who is the leader and or staff of this program? Anthony Ireland is our CEO and Executive Director; however, we do have other people in positions of leadership throughout the company.
Who do I contact for information about sign ups? You can register online for our camps using the registration page. If you are still having trouble reach out to us at ai3leadershipacademy@yahoo.com
How do you sign up? You can register online for our camps using the registration page. If you are still having trouble reach out to us at ai3leadershipacademy@yahoo.com
When does your men’s league start? We host a Men’s League in the Summer & Winter Months
When does your women’s league start? We host our Women’s League during the Fall & Spring Months
What is the Holiday Classic? Our Holiday Invitational event is our fundraiser event hosted during the 3rd week of December where we bring the top 8 girl’s teams in the state and the top 8 boy’s teams in the state to play a competitive game at a neutral site, Crosby High School. We ask teams to bring slightly word coats and non-perishable items to give away.
Where do the proceeds of the event go to? We have partnerships with the Hispanic Coalition of Greater Waterbury and the St. Vincent Depaul Mission of Ministry.