My name is Nathaniel Francois, and I’m the founder of Concrete Sports Foundation.

I grew up in Boston — raised by a single mom, surrounded by love but also by violence, poverty, and schools that never had enough. I know what it feels like to walk to school carrying both your dreams and your survival instincts. I also know what it means to beat some of those odds — and now, I’m building something to give that same shot to others.

The Rose Classic is our nonprofit’s first event: a one-day back-to-school basketball tournament and community giveback for over 200 youth in Boston.

Through this event, we’re providing:

🎒 Backpacks and school supplies for over 200 students
✂️ Free haircuts and braided hairstyles to help kids walk into school with confidence
🏀 A full youth basketball tournament — Middle School Boys, High School Girls & Boys
🗣️ Guest speakers on mental health, education, and violence prevention
🫱‍🫲 A day of mentorship, inspiration, and joy

Our mission is bigger than just an event — we’re working to bridge the racial wealth gap by showing up for youth where it starts: in our communities, with education, and through mentorship rooted in trust.

I’ve personally pledged $1,000 to this cause. We’re aiming to raise $10,000, and every single dollar goes back into the community — no one is being paid, just poured into.

Concrete Sports Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law and will go directly toward funding the Rose Classic and our youth programs.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a real impact — this is it.

Be who you needed when you were younger.
Thank you for supporting us. 🌹

The Rose Classic: Back-to-School Fundraiser for Boston Youth

Empowering 200+ students through backpacks, basketball, and a day of mentorship

Team Members