Beyond the Play – Leadership Academy
LEADERSHIP STARTS WITH MINDSET
Building confident, resilient athletes who can lead — on and off the field.
Some athletes lose confidence after mistakes.
Some struggle under pressure.
Some want to lead—but don’t know how to step into that role.
That’s not a talent issue.
It’s a mindset issue.
Before an athlete can lead others, they have to learn how to lead themselves—how to respond when things don’t go their way, how to handle adversity, and how to show up with confidence every day.
We believe mindset is the foundation of everything. The Leadership Academy is designed to help all youth build that foundation—developing confidence, resilience, and leadership through movement, competition, and real challenges, not just conversation.
Because leadership isn’t something you talk about.
It’s something you experience.
Because better mindset creates better athletes—and better leaders.
First Leadership Academy Class – September 2026
Why Mindset Comes First
Talent Opens Doors. Mindset Determines What Happens Next.
Every athlete faces pressure, mistakes, frustration, tough coaching, expectations, and moments where things do not go their way. The difference is not always ability. The difference is how they respond.
What Are We Really Training
Before
- Confidence rises and falls with performance
- Frustration after mistakes
- Hesitation to speak up or lead
- Negative body language when things get hard
After
- Responds with confidence under pressure
- Resets quickly with a Next Play mindset
- Leads through actions, energy, and communication
- Handles adversity with more maturity and purpose
A Community Built to Train, Grow, and Give Back
The Leadership Academy brings students in grades 4–12 together to build confidence, strengthen their mindset, and grow as leaders. We support each other in what we’re working to accomplish—and use what we learn to support others.
All sports, experience levels, and students who aren’t currently participating in sports are welcome. Members learn together, with smaller groups used as needed to make discussions and activities meaningful for different ages and stages.
Train Together
Build Your Foundation
Six sessions each year: four in-person training sessions and two virtual check-ins. First-year members build their foundation through four intensive sessions covering:
- Communication, listening, and trust
- Positive self-talk and Next Play resilience
- Goal setting, habits, and ownership
- Confidence, visualization, and preparation
Sessions take place during the school year. Virtual check-ins provide time to discuss progress, work through challenges, and identify next steps.
Grow Together
Keep Moving Forward
Leadership takes practice. Members support each other’s goals and continue developing through:
- Tier 1 portal access for goal setting and mindset development
- Personal goals and actionable Next Plays
- Encouragement, connection, and shared accountability
- Opportunities to help welcome and lead future groups
Returning members continue participating in all six annual sessions, applying familiar concepts to new challenges and taking on greater responsibility as they’re ready.
Give Back
Put Leadership into Action
Through our Helping Hands program, members help identify and participate in opportunities to serve others.
Projects may include:
- Connecting with local nursing-home residents
- Helping with our football-card giveaway for foster children
- Shoveling snow for neighbors who need support
- Collecting sporting equipment for kids who need it
Community activities complement our training, with additional outreach opportunities developing during spring and summer.
One Membership. Continued Opportunity.
First year members: $99 per year
Returning members: $69 per year
- Membership includes at least six annual sessions, Tier 1 leadership and goal-setting portal access, and opportunities to participate in Helping Hands community activities.
- Family discount: Receive $20 off each additional family member’s annual membership.
- New participants begin at the start of the school year and the beginning of the new year. Membership runs for 12 months from your group’s September 1 or January 1 start date.
How the Leadership Academy Works
Built for Growth. Designed for Real Life.
The Leadership Academy is built around Academy Classes—small group sessions designed to help athletes grow over time while fitting into busy schedules.
More Than Just a Class
Once an athlete is part of the Leadership Academy, their development doesn’t stop after their sessions.
Academy Athletes receive access to additional opportunities throughout the year— including guest speakers, leadership sessions, and special events—at no additional cost.
This is not a one-time experience. It’s a foundation athletes can build on—again and again, year after year.
Core Leadership Pillars
- Goal Setting & Accountability
- Relationships & Communication
- Mindset & “Next Play” Thinking
- Visualization & Preparation
- Service & Helping Hands
- Leading with Heart & Character
Virtual Leadership Program Now Available
Not in an area with an active Ball to Life Leadership program? No problem.
All sessions and access are now available virtually. Including helping youth build their own ‘Helping Hands’ program
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Get Started?
Invest in Your Athletes Mindset
Sports will eventually end. The lessons learned through leadership, character, and mindset last a lifetime. If you’re ready to help your athlete grow as a leader on and off the field, we’d love to have them in the Beyond the Play – Leadership Academy.
