Our Story

Youth Texas Teams began with three young brothers, Koryian Pierre, Royal Senegal, and Aydhen Senegal, who shared a love for football, basketball, and soccer and believed sports could be about more than competition. They saw sports as an opportunity to build confidence, friendships, discipline, leadership, and community. But their journey toward creating Youth Texas Teams would become deeply personal.

Before founding their own organization, the brothers served as Royal Ambassadors of Society of Royals, a nonprofit dedicated to youth mental wellness, suicide prevention, leadership, and empowerment. Through their involvement, they gained valuable experiences in community service, youth advocacy, mental health awareness, and leadership. Those experiences helped shape their understanding of what it means to serve others and use their voices to create positive change.

Then, they experienced a heartbreaking loss that would forever influence their mission.

The middle brother had a close friend who had become part of their lives. One night, while staying at his friend’s home, his friend died by suicide. For the three brothers, losing someone so close brought difficult questions about the emotional struggles young people may be facing, often without those around them realizing it.

They wondered what their friend might have been experiencing, whether he knew where to find support, and how young people and families could become more aware of the signs that someone may be struggling. Most importantly, they began thinking about how mental health resources, supportive relationships, and open conversations could become a more visible part of young people’s everyday lives.

Those questions stayed with them and helped shape the purpose behind Youth Texas Teams.

Drawing from their experiences as young athletes, the leadership foundation they developed through Society of Royals, and the loss that deeply affected their lives, the brothers decided to create something meaningful. They wanted to build an organization where young athletes could celebrate their accomplishments while also having opportunities to talk about their challenges, strengthen their mental wellness, develop leadership skills, and prepare for their futures.

They understood that behind every jersey, every game, and every athletic achievement is a young person with emotions, responsibilities, dreams, and challenges that may not always be visible.

That understanding became the foundation of Youth Texas Teams, a youth-led nonprofit created to empower young athletes both on and off the field.

Determined to make a difference, the brothers launched Youth Texas Teams Magazine, a youth-led publication created to highlight the accomplishments, experiences, and perspectives of student-athletes. Through writing, storytelling, and educational content, the magazine became an opportunity for young people to strengthen their literacy and communication skills, express themselves, and inspire their peers.

Building on that vision, they expanded into digital media with the Youth Texas Teams YouTube Channel, creating opportunities for meaningful conversations with student-athletes, coaches, counselors, parents, community leaders, and professionals. These conversations explore the realities of youth sports while addressing mental health, sportsmanship, leadership, education, motivation, personal development, and preparing for life beyond athletics.

As their vision continued to grow, the brothers recognized that sharing stories was only the beginning. Young athletes also needed access to mentorship, mental wellness resources, educational opportunities, financial knowledge, and career preparation to help them navigate life’s challenges and build successful futures.

That realization helped transform Youth Texas Teams from a youth-led media platform into a nonprofit organization focused on six essential areas: Mental Health, Leadership and Mentorship, Sportsmanship, Literacy, Financial Literacy, and Career Readiness.

Today, these six areas guide our mission and shape the opportunities we create for young people. Through programs such as Mind in the Game, Media Academy, Next Level Leaders, and Beyond the Game, we are expanding our impact by connecting youth athletes with resources, mentorship, educational experiences, financial education, career exploration, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Mental health remains at the heart of our journey because we believe a strong mind is just as important as athletic ability. Leadership and mentorship help young people discover their potential and learn from positive role models, while sportsmanship builds the character, integrity, respect, and accountability needed in sports and everyday life.

Literacy continues to be an important part of our foundation, giving young athletes opportunities to strengthen their voices through reading, writing, communication, and storytelling. Financial literacy equips them with practical knowledge to make responsible financial decisions, manage money, and plan for their futures. Career readiness introduces pathways beyond athletics, helping young people explore their interests, develop professional skills, and prepare for meaningful opportunities in the workforce.

What began as three brothers wanting to give young athletes a voice has grown into a commitment to helping young people build stronger minds, stronger character, stronger skills, and stronger futures.

Through partnerships with schools, athletic programs, community organizations, businesses, and dedicated supporters, Youth Texas Teams continues to create opportunities that reach beyond competition. We believe every young athlete deserves the chance to be heard, supported, educated, mentored, and prepared for whatever path they choose.

Our story is still being written, and every young person who participates in our programs becomes part of that journey. From the classroom to the playing field, from financial education to career opportunities, and from personal challenges to leadership achievements, we are helping young people recognize that their potential extends far beyond sports.

Youth Texas Teams was founded by young athletes, inspired by a foundation of service and leadership, shaped by personal loss, built on the power of youth voices, and continues to grow through a commitment to developing the whole athlete.

Together, we are building stronger youth, stronger teams, and brighter futures across Texas and beyond.