The Big North Takeover Brings Community Together for Free Youth Empowerment Event in Hillside

HILLSIDE, N.J. - EntSun -- The Big North Takeover (BNT) recently hosted another successful free youth community event in Hillside, New Jersey, bringing together young athletes, families, and community leaders for a day focused on mentorship, education, competition, and fun.

Held at the Hillside Community Center, the event welcomed youth ages 10–18 and featured free haircuts, chess and ping pong tournaments, complimentary food, free dress shirts and dress shoes, interactive activities, and appearances from professional athletes and community leaders.

The event was led by New York Giants cornerback Paulson Adebo and Hillside native and BNT founder Donald Stewart. Special guests included New York Giants captain and Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee Bobby Okereke, NJ/NY Gotham FC captain and two-time NWSL champion Mandy Freeman, New York Giants offensive tackle Jon Runyan Jr., and former Olympian Priscilla Loomis.

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"I hope that everyone here had a great time," said Stewart. "Regardless of your background or upbringing, the Big North Takeover wanted to create a safe space for the kids in the community and provide access to academic, athletic, and financial resources to help the kids thrive on and off the court and field. It was especially special to host our fourth event in my hometown of Hillside, New Jersey, and we are super grateful for all of the support and everyone who showed love today."

Adebo emphasized the importance of exposing young people to new opportunities.

"Today was a lot of fun and went really well," he said. "The goal of our free youth camp is to expose kids to something new. It was an opportunity to highlight other hobbies and interests outside of football. We've hosted a football camp and a media day in the past, and we look forward to continuing to expose our kids to different ideas."

Throughout the day, participants connected with mentors, competed in activities, and received resources designed to support their personal and athletic development. As participation continues to grow, The Big North Takeover remains committed to expanding its impact across New Jersey and beyond through programs that prepare student-athletes for success in academics, athletics, and life.

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For more information, visit: https://www.instagram.com/bignorthtakeover.

About The Big North Takeover

The Big North Takeover (BNT) is a youth sports organization dedicated to helping middle and high school student-athletes develop both on and off the field. Through youth camps, media days, one-on-one consulting, and educational programming, BNT provides mentorship, skill development, and life resources that prepare young athletes for success in academics, athletics, and life. In just two years, the organization has served more than 200 youth athletes across multiple sports, including football, basketball, baseball, tennis, track and field, swimming, and flag football.