Every young person deserves a lifetime of encouragement, meeting goals, and the confidence that comes from working hard to excel. We like to say that we’re creating healthy habits with every run, jump, and throw, but let’s take a little time out to learn just how we make that happen.
More Than Just a Race: The Power of Youth Athletics
At Memphis Youth Athletics, we believe running can do more than build endurance—it can build lives. Our programs are designed to support kids physically, emotionally, and socially, giving them space to grow at their own pace and discover what they’re capable of. From the first time they lace up their shoes to the moment they cross the finish line, every step is a chance to learn, connect, and transform.
Building Confidence Through Movement
Every Child Deserves to Feel Capable
In a world full of pressure and comparison, our programs offer something simple and powerful: a chance for kids to feel proud of themselves. Whether they’re sprinting, jogging, or walking, children learn that effort matters more than outcome, and that’s a lesson they’ll carry into every area of life.
Progress That’s Easy to See
Because running is goal-oriented and measurable, children can quickly see the results of their hard work. From improved times to greater stamina, each milestone builds confidence. It’s not about being the best—it’s about being better than yesterday.
Creating Space for Healthy Habits
Early Habits Last a Lifetime
Introducing structured physical activity early helps children develop positive routines that stick. Regular running builds cardiovascular health, encourages better sleep, and supports mental well-being. These aren’t just athletic wins—they’re lifelong health investments.
Less Screen Time, More Real Time
Our programs get kids off devices and out into their communities. Instead of passive entertainment, they engage in active fun, learning to enjoy movement for its own sake and building healthier relationships with their bodies and peers.
A Foundation for Character and Discipline
Accountability Without Pressure
Memphis Youth Athletics promotes personal responsibility in a supportive setting. Coaches, volunteers, and mentors help kids learn how to set goals, show up consistently, and handle setbacks—all while keeping the joy front and center.
Respect for Self and Others
Athletics is one of the best environments to model teamwork, humility, and perseverance. Whether kids are celebrating their own improvements or cheering on a teammate, they’re practicing empathy, resilience, and community-mindedness.
Making Athletics Accessible for All
Open to Every Zip Code
We know that not every child has the same access to resources. That’s why our programs are intentionally inclusive, welcoming kids from all backgrounds and all neighborhoods. If a child wants to run, we’ll find a way to make it happen.
Removing Barriers, Not Raising Them
Memphis Youth Athletics is built around the idea that no family should be priced out of movement. We structure our programming to be affordable, approachable, and rooted in community support, so every child has a chance to participate and grow.
Our commitment to access for all is complete. In the event that a family cannot afford a program, we work hard to make scholarships available on a needs-based basis. Every child deserves to flourish, and we want to make that possible.
Building a Supportive Memphis Community
Connecting Families
Our races, practices, and events bring people together—not just kids, but entire families. Parents cheer from the sidelines, siblings share in the excitement, and neighborhoods rally around their youth. These moments turn into memories, and those memories strengthen our city.
Empowering the Next Generation
By supporting youth through athletics, we’re shaping leaders, mentors, and changemakers. The discipline, self-belief, and social skills kids gain through our programs prepare them to give back, both now and in the future.
A Proven Track Record of Impact
Real Stories, Real Growth
We’ve seen firsthand how a simple introduction to running can change a child’s outlook—and sometimes their entire path. From increased school engagement to improved mental health, the impact of consistent movement and encouragement can’t be overstated.
Decades of Dedication
Memphis Youth Athletics has been a trusted name in youth development for years. We’re not just a seasonal program—we’re a year-round partner in your child’s growth. Our team is passionate, experienced, and deeply rooted in the Memphis community.
Why the MYA Summer Program Matters for Memphis Kids
Summer should be a time of joy, movement, and growth—but for many kids in Memphis, it’s also a time when structure disappears and access to healthy activities becomes limited. The MYA Summer Program is designed to meet that gap head-on, offering accessible, high-impact physical activity rooted in community, equity, and long-term well-being. And we’re proud of our reach, as we bring together kids from all over the city. There are currently kids from over 20 area zip codes involved in our programs!
At Memphis Youth Athletics, we understand that movement is more than just exercise—it’s a tool for transformation. That’s why our summer programming is intentionally structured to benefit children not just physically, but emotionally and socially as well. Here’s how we make that impact felt every single day.
Improving Physical Health from the Inside Out
Our program supports full-body development through consistent, guided exercise. Activities focus on building muscle strength, boosting cardiovascular health, and increasing bone density—all critical markers of growing, healthy bodies. Especially for younger children, this physical foundation can set the tone for lifelong wellness.
With obesity rates affecting 1 in 3 kids in grades K–8 in Memphis, our work is urgent. By creating fun, inclusive ways to move, we help combat chronic health issues and lay the groundwork for future strength and energy.
Supporting Mental and Emotional Well-Being
Physical activity isn’t just about bodies—it’s about minds, too. Research shows that consistent exercise reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression in children. By offering a safe, encouraging environment, the MYA Summer Program helps kids feel better emotionally, improves self-regulation, and encourages a more positive outlook.
These changes aren’t abstract. We see real increases in stamina, focus, and motivation among our participants—changes that often carry over into the school year and into family life.
Building Confidence and Self-Worth
Many of our runners come in unsure of their abilities, especially if they haven’t been exposed to structured sports before. Through movement, mentorship, and small wins, they learn they’re capable of more than they thought.
That boost in self-esteem isn’t limited to athletics. Kids walk taller, speak louder, and take pride in their efforts. For children living in under-resourced communities, that kind of internal strength can be transformative.
Making Movement Equitable
Nearly one-third of children in Memphis live in poverty, and in some zip codes, the rate is even higher. That’s why the MYA Summer Program is free for participants from underserved neighborhoods. No child is turned away due to cost, and we actively seek out opportunities to remove barriers to participation. In fact, around 80% of all campers with MYA are full-scholarship participants. We take our commitment to access seriously.
By leveling the playing field, we create real access to long-term health, inclusion, and opportunity.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether your child is new to running or already in love with it, our programs meet them where they are. With opportunities across age groups and skill levels, there’s always a place to grow.
Want to learn more or get involved? Contact us today and discover how our programs can make a difference for your family—and for Memphis.