About TeamMates

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The mission of Teammates is to inspire our youth, regardless of race, color creed or national origin. To offer free quality fundamental basketball instruction and activities to girls’ and boys’ 6-14 years old; to build self-esteem; develop individual skills; develop the spirit of sportsmanship and teamwork in an enjoyable yet challenging safe environment.

To conduct an educational component which will provide life skills, testimonials and life choices from positive and influential business and community professionals and leaders.  With the combination of these elements, we will share a personal learning relationship with each participant, develop their skills, emphasize discipline, express the importance of getting an education and provide a fun- filled experience to use in life’s challenges.

Teammates was established in 1997 where the organization piloted two free one day basketball clinics for boys and girls aged from 6 to 14 years old.  The two free one day basketball clinics were successful, averaging 60 campers in each clinic.The clinics were held at Herbert Hoover’s Boys and Girls Club and St Louis Community College at Forest Park.  The mission of the organization is to offer quality fundamental basketball instruction camps and clinics to boys and girls 6-14 years of age living throughout the St. Louis City and County areas. The organization will also offer other types of activities and programs under its name. The first two basketball clinics introduced Teammates to the community and the results were positive and appreciated. The clinics were used as the steppingstone to introduce the organization and offer future equality camps, clinics, activities, and programs.

As of 2024 Teammates is back and has begun the planning stages to get the organization prepared to offer fundamental camps and clinics. There will be an educational component called Choices, that will be geared towards positive messages,testimonies from prominent community and business leaders and current and former professional athletes. This component will offer life-learning skills and knowledge to encourage our youth to stay on the right path for success. The hope is to save our youth and deter them from a life of violence and crime by surrounding them with positive people.

Teammates believes that every child is entitled to enjoy and participate in sports and activities. With many basketball camps conducted throughout the St. Louis area, cost seems to be an issue for many inner-city youths and those disadvantage youth.This is a concern that Teammates has researched and believes offering free camps and clinics will provide more opportunities for learning and participation in sports. Teammates plan to make  a difference in a young person’s life.