Celebrating the Past
MAM was founded in 1998 to provide the youth of Memphis a safe, controlled environment to play sports. Initially, there were sports camps and sports-related activities, and then community-wide leagues were started. Through this, MAM saw the need for more holistic programming.
In 2003, MAM opened its first neighborhood youth center, and academic enrichment and social-emotional programming was added to complement MAM’s recreation/sports program and bible study. The growth of more partnerships let MAM open more youth centers in urban churches with gyms and four under-utilized community centers leased from the City of Memphis.
Today, MAM is a platform of change for our city’s youth. MAM has 50 full and part-time employees, hundreds of volunteers, 20 partner organizations, and four neighborhood youth centers, supporting youth and families from 17 zip codes across Shelby County. The average daily attendance at the neighborhood youth centers is approximately 450 youth, ages 8 to 18. MAM also serves 2,500 urban and suburban youth in its community-wide sports leagues and the MAM Classic, its annual winter basketball tournament that has over 100 boys and girls middle school teams.
Embracing the Present and Casting Vision
MAM strives to leave a lasting impact on every youth we serve through comprehensive programming and mentorship from highly-trained staff that addresses the physical, mental, social, and spiritual needs of youth. MAM provides year-round sports, after-school, and mentorship programming, each of which are infused with a gospel-centered focus. Through these programs, MAM offers a range of social-emotional learning opportunities, including literacy and life skills lessons, bible study sessions, and more at no cost to participants.
In the summer of 2023, MAM established a three-year strategic plan with two clear and ambitious goals. By August 2026, MAM aspires to grow their key programs to provide social-emotional, trauma-informed mentorship to a total of 1,000 youth and broaden their community reach to share the gospel with a total of 6,000 youth.
More than ever, youth in Memphis require a safe, nurturing outlet with positive role models to turn to. Mentorship through extracurricular activities, such as participating in sports or attending an after school program is transformational in the lives of young people, even life changing. MAM has been providing these opportunities for the past 25 years, and looks forward to continuing that work for the next 25 years. Come be part of the solution with us.
Join us in celebrating the 25th anniversary of Memphis Athletic Ministries by becoming a monthly donor, or a MAM MVP. For just $25 a month, you can help us continue to provide a safe and nurturing environment for youth to experience Gospel-centered sports and afterschool programming. Your monthly donation will make a significant impact on our ministry, allowing us to provide even more opportunities to coach, grow, and lead the youth of Memphis. Click the image above to give $25 for 25.
