Mind in the Game
- Sports
- Mental Wellness
- Leadership
- Resilience
- Student-Athlete Development
A youth mental wellness and leadership program of Youth Texas Teams and Society of Royals.
Helping Student-Athletes Lead, Compete, and Thrive
Mind in the Game is a youth mental wellness and leadership program designed to help student-athletes understand that mental wellness is an important part of being a healthy athlete, teammate, leader, and young person.
The program combines sports, mental wellness education, leadership development, resilience, mentorship, and positive youth development to help student-athletes navigate the pressures they may experience in athletics, school, relationships, and everyday life.
Our Approach
Mind in the Game creates opportunities for student-athletes to develop practical skills they can use both on and off the field.
- Sports
- Mental Wellness
- Confidence
- Resilience
- Leadership
- Healthy Development
What Participants Explore
Mental Wellness
Participants learn about:
- Managing stress and pressure
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Asking for help
- Positive communication
- Healthy coping strategies
- Recognizing when support may be needed
- Healthy relationships
- Balancing athletics, school, work, and personal responsibilities
Leadership
Student-athletes develop leadership skills related to:
- Communication
- Accountability
- Goal setting
- Encouraging teammates
- Teamwork
- Decision-making
- Conflict resolution
- Leading by example
Resilience & Performance
Participants explore how mindset and mental wellness can affect their ability to respond to challenges.
Topics may include:
- Handling setbacks
- Staying focused
- Building confidence
- Developing healthy routines
- Managing competition pressure
- Responding to mistakes
- Setting realistic goals
- Preparing for change
Healthy Team Culture
Mind in the Game encourages student-athletes to contribute to positive team environments.
Participants learn about:
- Respect
- Positive communication
- Recognizing warning signs
- Building a culture where mental wellness conversations are supported
- Inclusion
- Supporting teammates
- Reducing stigma around asking for help
From Athlete to Leader
Sports can teach young people lessons that extend far beyond the playing field.
Discipline, teamwork, preparation, perseverance, communication, accountability, and leadership can become lifelong skills.
Mind in the Game helps student-athletes recognize those connections and apply them to school, relationships, future careers, and their communities.
Mentorship
Participants can connect with coaches, athletes, professionals, mentors, and youth-serving leaders who can provide encouragement, guidance, and perspective.
Mentorship opportunities may include:
- Leadership conversations
- Goal setting
- Personal development
- Professional networking
- Career discussions
- Team leadership
- Career and college exposure
Student-Athlete Leadership
Mind in the Game provides opportunities for student-athletes to become leaders within their teams and communities.
Participants may develop projects, campaigns, presentations, or other activities that encourage positive conversations about mental wellness and healthy leadership.
Career & Life Beyond Sports
While Mind in the Game focuses on student-athletes, the program also recognizes that not every young person will pursue athletics beyond high school or college.
Participants are encouraged to explore the skills they are developing through sports and how those skills can transfer into:
- College
- Leadership
- Community service
- Personal development
- Career discussions
- Entrepreneurship
- Professional relationships
Our Partnership
Youth Texas Teams
Youth Texas Teams brings its experience in sports, youth engagement, athletics, media, literacy, leadership, and youth development to the program
Society of Royals
Society of Royals brings its experience in youth mental wellness, suicide prevention awareness, anti-bullying, self-esteem, social-emotional learning, mentorship, leadership, and community partnerships.
Together
Youth Texas Teams and Society of Royals connect sports and mental wellness to help student-athletes develop the skills and support systems needed to thrive.
Who We Serve
Mind in the Game is designed for student-athletes and young people participating in organized sports, athletic programs, schools, and youth-serving organizations.
The program can be implemented through:
- Middle schools
- Colleges and universities
- Athletic programs
- Youth-serving nonprofits
- High schools
- Youth sports organizations
- Community organizations
Our Vision
We believe being a strong athlete includes taking care of the person behind the athlete.
Student-athletes deserve opportunities to talk about mental wellness, develop healthy coping strategies, build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, and know where to turn when they need support.
Mind in the Game helps young people understand that mental wellness is not separate from their athletic journey. It is part of it.
- Sports
- Mental Wellness
- Confidence
- Resilience
- Leadership
- Healthy Development
