What sets us apart is our unique philosophy: empowering high school and college student-athletes to serve as mentors and role models for the youth participants in our programs. This peer-to-peer model not only strengthens leadership skills in our coaches but also creates a powerful, relatable connection for the younger athletes they guide.

Today, the Next Level Sports Foundation proudly employs more than 2,000 high school and college student-athletes who coach, mentor, and inspire youth participants across our programs. Through this commitment, mentorship remains at the heart of everything we do, shaping the Next Level experience for both leaders and learners alike.

Every child deserves an opportunity. To learn, to grow, to play, to laugh, to stumble, and to rise again. At Next Level Sports Foundation, our mission is to ensure that young athletes have access to these opportunities through the power of sport. By creating spaces for kids to be active and engaged within their communities, we open the door to experiences that teach resilience, teamwork, and perseverance. Many of life’s most valuable lessons are learned on the field/court, and by providing opportunities where they may not have existed before, we help shape stronger athletes and individuals.

By keeping our focus on the young participants we serve, our impact becomes both measurable and meaningful. When we hold ourselves accountable to creating a supportive environment centered on their growth and experience, we ensure that we remain true to our mission and our goals.

Sports are always more fun with friends, so we encourage participation by creating opportunities for kids to play alongside those they know and trust. At the same time, our programs are designed to spark new connections, helping young athletes build lasting bonds within a supportive community. For many, the friendships formed on the field during these early years become lifelong relationships. By fostering an environment where friendships grow, we not only increase participation but also ensure that every athlete’s experience is a positive one.

Signing a child up for an activity is not enough. What truly makes the difference is the consistent support and encouragement they receive along the way. How often have you heard your child ask, “Did you see my catch/my run/my basket?” That question reflects a deeper need for recognition, affirmation, and connection.

At Next Level, our structure is designed to meet that need. Through mentorship and guidance, we provide the encouragement that every child deserves. In every part of our program, our answer is “Yes, I saw it! It was AWESOME!”

A community is so much more than just a social group. It is a space where members can learn, teach, mentor, and hold one another accountable. A supportive community not only brings people together but also ignites inspiration and nurtures a deeper sense of belonging and purpose.

Without guidance, it is easy to drift without direction. At the core of every Next Level program are dedicated high school and collegiate athletes who provide that essential guidance and support to our community members. Through their leadership, participants gain structure, organization, responsibility, and accountability.

These individuals provide support through both challenges and triumphs, helping others find meaning in their successes as well as their setbacks. In doing so, they turn every experience into an opportunity for growth and understanding.

At Next Level, focus serves as a guiding principle across everything we do. We take care to create an environment where our team is aligned, our processes are clear, and our actions are purposeful. That focus extends to how we engage with others. We ask our volunteers, mentors, staff, and coaches to direct their attention toward the individual. We acknowledge that not everyone starts from the same place — and that’s exactly why focus matters. By truly seeing each person’s needs, strengths, and potential within the context of our shared mission, we create space for meaningful growth and maximum impact.

"Individual commitment to a group effort—that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work." – Vince Lombardi

Winning and losing are part of nearly everything we do. Yet, we often place too much emphasis on the outcome of a game, especially for our young athletes. Sports should first and foremost be about joy, growth, and shared experiences, not just the win-loss column.

At Next Level, we believe in shifting the focus toward teamwork and the power of individual commitment to something greater than oneself. When this perspective is embraced, the results go far beyond the scoreboard. It creates lasting impact, meaningful achievements, and forever memories.