Our Mission

Empowering Youth Through Sport and Character Development
At Youth Sports of W-S, we believe in the transformative potential of sports. It’s not just about games, drills, and scores—it’s about developing young individuals who possess integrity, resilience, and compassion. Our mission centers around skill enhancement through guided, personalized training while simultaneously fostering a spirit of camaraderie. We strive to build future leaders who value collaboration, demonstrate empathy, and uphold sportsmanship on and off the field. Through thoughtful mentorship, targeted development plans, and consistent encouragement, we are planting the seeds for a generation of courageous, motivated youth ready to make a difference wherever life leads them.

About Us

A Place Where Young Athletes Grow in Body, Mind, and Spirit
Youth Sports of W-S was born from the belief that the lessons learned in athletics translate far beyond the field. Our foundation is built on a deep commitment to helping every child realize their full potential—not only as athletes but as individuals with purpose and passion. We integrate holistic training with personal mentorship, understanding that every young athlete is unique. Our experienced coaches and staff serve as both instructors and role models, creating a culture where discipline, respect, and unity are paramount. From community roots to competitive platforms, we aim to provide every youth with tools that will enrich them for life.

Our Programs

Our programs cater to all levels—from beginners discovering their strengths to advanced athletes seeking competitive growth. Each initiative is carefully designed to promote discipline, confidence, and sportsmanship while nurturing every child’s full potential on and off the field.

Rising Stars (Ages 5–8)

Introduction to Movement, Sports, and Fun
Rising Stars provides a joyful introduction to sports through playful drills and fun games that teach coordination, listening, and social interaction. This program helps our youngest participants build a foundation of confidence, teamwork, and a love for being active.

Junior Champions (Ages 9–12)

Building Skills and Sportsmanship in Youth Athletes
Junior Champions bridges the gap between playful learning and structured competition. Participants receive technical training while learning the importance of sportsmanship, cooperation, and resilience. Each session focuses on skill-building and positive reinforcement.

Future Leaders Program

Leadership Development Through Sports
Tailored for youth showing promise as role models, this program blends athletic training with leadership development. Participants take part in peer mentorship, team leadership exercises, and community service projects, emerging as well-rounded leaders on and off the field.

Elite Athlete Training

Preparing the Next Generation of High-Performers
This intensive program caters to advanced youth athletes pursuing competitive pathways. Through high-level training, nutritional coaching, video analysis, and performance tracking, we prepare athletes to compete at regional and national levels.

Girls in Motion

Empowering Young Women Through Sport
Girls in Motion is a safe, uplifting space for girls to build strength, self-esteem, and connection. Through sports and mentorship, young women develop both physical ability and emotional confidence while addressing the unique challenges they face in sports and society.

Community Outreach & Clinics

Reaching Underserved Youth with the Power of Sport
We provide free and low-cost clinics in underserved neighborhoods, ensuring all children have access to high-quality sports experiences. Our outreach extends opportunity, promotes inclusion, and builds lasting community ties.

Our Vision

Creating Tomorrow’s Leaders Through Sports Today
We envision a world where youth don’t just play sports—they live by the values sports instill. Our goal is to cultivate a generation of confident, goal-oriented youth who carry the lessons of sport into every aspect of their lives. We see Youth Sports of W-S as a dynamic hub of inspiration, where dreams are nurtured and ambitions are refined through structured athletic and personal development. Our ultimate vision is to set a national standard for youth development through sport—establishing ourselves as a legacy organization where the ripple effects of mentorship and character-building echo into communities and futures for years to come.

Our Story

Where Passion Meets Purpose
Our story began with a single question: “What if every child had access to more than just a game?” Youth Sports of W-S was born from the deep conviction that youth development through sport could change lives. Founded by a group of coaches, educators, and community advocates, our organization grew out of the belief that every child—regardless of background—deserves the chance to grow strong in body, sharp in mind, and full of purpose. What started with a few passionate volunteers has blossomed into a multi-program, city-wide initiative impacting hundreds of families. Our work continues daily, fueled by the moments when a child discovers their voice, a team unites in victory, or a once-overlooked player finds their confidence.

Our Services

We provide specialized sports training, wellness education, mentorship, academic support, leadership development, and community engagement. Each service is thoughtfully tailored to elevate athletic performance and enrich personal development, creating well-rounded individuals prepared to lead and succeed in all pursuits.

Personalized Athletic Training

Focused Growth, Tailored for Every Athlete
Our one-on-one and small-group athletic training services are designed to elevate each athlete’s unique strengths. Through detailed assessments and personalized training plans, we help young people master their sport-specific skills while improving agility, strength, and endurance. Whether a beginner or advanced athlete, our trainers provide constant feedback, motivation, and instruction to maximize growth and instill confidence.

Team Coaching & League Support

Structured Development in Competitive Environments
Youth Sports of W-S partners with local leagues and teams to offer coaching services that emphasize development, strategy, and cohesion. Our coaches foster a culture of teamwork while sharpening fundamental skills and tactical awareness. Each player gets equal attention and encouragement to reach their potential and contribute to team success.

Character Development Workshops

Teaching the Game of Life Beyond the Field
Our character-building workshops focus on leadership, emotional intelligence, goal-setting, and decision-making. Through guided discussions, role-playing, and peer collaboration, athletes develop tools to navigate life with confidence and integrity. These workshops equip them to be not just great players, but exceptional individuals.

Seasonal Clinics and Skill Camps

Short-Term Immersion, Long-Term Gains
Our sports clinics and seasonal skill camps provide focused, intensive training in key areas like speed, technique, and teamwork. These camps draw expert coaches from across the region and offer a fun, high-energy environment for rapid skill-building, personal growth, and networking with fellow athletes.

Parental Engagement Sessions

Empowering Families to Support Youth Success
Parents are essential partners in a child’s athletic journey. Our family sessions educate and support parents in managing their child’s sports life, expectations, and emotional needs. These workshops create a stronger support network and align families with our mission to grow well-rounded young athletes.

School & Community Partnerships

Building Bridges Between Athletics and Academics
Through formal partnerships with schools and youth centers, we bring structured programming directly into communities. These partnerships allow us to offer students both academic support and athletic training, unifying two vital elements of youth development under one comprehensive framework.

Our Impact

From First Steps to Lasting Success Stories
Our programs have touched hundreds of lives across Winston-Salem and beyond, equipping young athletes with the tools they need to succeed. From community clinics to championship teams, our impact is felt in every handshake, every lesson learned, and every milestone achieved. We’ve seen kids blossom into confident leaders, once-shy participants now leading huddles and mentoring others. Parents consistently tell us about the remarkable transformations they’ve witnessed—not only in performance but in focus, self-esteem, and emotional maturity. We’ve become more than a sports program—we’re a trusted partner in raising grounded, goal-driven children who carry these experiences for life.

Our Core Values

Built on Integrity, Driven by Heart
At the heart of Youth Sports of W-S are values that go beyond the game. We value Integrity, the foundation of trust and authenticity. Our athletes learn to play fair, speak truthfully, and respect the process. We embrace Resilience, teaching young people how to face setbacks with courage and determination. Empathy guides how we interact—with teammates, opponents, and ourselves. Discipline is practiced daily, on and off the field, reinforcing habits that serve a lifetime. Collaboration is our glue—athletes don’t succeed alone, and neither do we. Finally, we champion Leadership, because sports are preparation for life, and we aim to prepare leaders who uplift those around them.

How It Works

We assess each athlete’s goals, assign expert coaches, and implement personalized training plans. Our approach combines structured programs, continuous evaluation, character-building lessons, and family involvement—ensuring each participant flourishes in a safe, motivating, and holistic learning environment from day one.

Sign-Up and Assessment

A Personalized Beginning
New families begin with a registration form and a comprehensive athlete assessment. We learn about each child’s goals, strengths, and challenges to match them with the best programs and coaches.

Goal Setting and Planning

Crafting the Blueprint for Success
After assessment, we collaborate with parents and athletes to create a development plan. This includes physical, emotional, and social goals designed to empower progress inside and outside of sports.

Program Placement

Finding the Right Fit
We align each athlete with the right program—from beginner clinics to elite training—ensuring their environment encourages both confidence and challenge.

Ongoing Coaching and Development

Growth Through Structure and Support
Weekly sessions include skills training, physical conditioning, and values-based mentorship. Coaches provide consistent feedback and encouragement as youth grow.

Family Engagement

Keeping Everyone in the Loop
Parents are invited to participate in workshops, receive regular updates, and share feedback so we can continually improve their child’s journey.

Evaluation and Celebration

Recognizing Every Milestone
Each season ends with progress evaluations and a celebration of achievements. We highlight both athletic accomplishments and personal growth.

Our Team

Our dedicated team brings unmatched passion and professionalism to youth development. Each member is committed to mentoring with heart, teaching values through sports, and ensuring every child feels seen, supported, and inspired to grow both athletically and personally.

Tanya Blake

(Executive Director)

A lifelong educator and youth advocate, Tanya leads our organization with vision and heart. Her passion lies in creating inclusive spaces where kids are celebrated for who they are and who they can become.

Coach David Martin

(Head Coach)

A former collegiate athlete and championship coach, David brings over 20 years of experience in motivating young people to reach their highest potential.

Lila Roberts

(Program Director)

Lila designs our training programs and ensures each one meets the developmental needs of our athletes. Her creativity and compassion make every session engaging and effective.

Testimonials

Parents and athletes consistently share stories of transformation—both in skill and character. Testimonials reflect gratitude for the supportive, disciplined, and nurturing environment we foster, celebrating newfound confidence, better teamwork, and the lifelong lessons kids carry beyond the playing field.

“I’ve never seen my daughter so confident. Youth Sports of W-S didn’t just teach her how to play soccer—they taught her she belongs. The coaches are uplifting, attentive, and truly invested.”

“This organization changed my life. I went from being unsure and withdrawn to leading my team. The leadership training gave me skills I still use today.”

“I’ve worked with many youth programs, but this one stands out. The values they instill are exceptional. Their impact ripples through families and schools alike.”

“They believed in me even when I didn’t. I found a second home here. Now I help mentor others through the Future Leaders program.”

“I joined as a volunteer and was moved by how they empower kids. It’s structured, it’s smart, and it’s full of heart. Truly a game-changer.”

“Watching my son grow under their guidance has been a gift. His attitude changed. His work ethic changed. Thank you, Youth Sports of W-S.”

Take Action

Join a Program

Your Journey Starts Here
Explore our age-based programs and begin your path to greatness today.

Volunteer With Us

Give Time, Change Lives
Mentor, coach, or support events—you can make a difference.

Donate

Fuel Our Mission
Every dollar supports scholarships, equipment, and community outreach.

Partner With Us

Let’s Build Together
Schools, businesses, and nonprofits—join forces with our mission.

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Visit Us

See Us in Action
Stop by our location and witness firsthand the impact we’re making.