Mind Shift Sports is a nonprofit organization based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, dedicated to transforming youth development through innovative sports programming that bridges education and athletics. We serve students in East and West Baton Rouge, particularly those from urban, low-income, high-poverty, and high-crime areas, including Title I schools. Our mission is to create inclusive and enjoyable athletic experiences that inspire young people to stay active, build connections, and develop essential life skills for success both on and off the field.
Challenges Facing Baton Rouge Youth Children in urban, low-income communities of East and West Baton Rouge face significant challenges that hinder their academic, social, and physical well-being. These challenges include:
Low standardized test performance for grades 3–10
High rates of childhood obesity
Low community awareness and parental involvement in school activities
Limited partnerships between schools and local small businesses
Lack of inclusivity for gender, culture, and special needs
High suspension, expulsion, and truancy rates (grades 9–12)
Limited focus on character development and mentorship opportunities
These issues disproportionately impact students in the Baton Rouge area, creating barriers to success both in and out of school.
Our league champions a few different causes.
1. MSS champions advocacy for children in foster care.
2. MSS strives to assign children in foster care the same coach and teammates.
3. We believe all kids and adults should have something to look forward to. We would love for that to be joining us in playing flag football.
4. Our coaches are LSU students, SU students, parents, and teachers that are current or former athletes and coaches.
5. Our fundraising efforts are done to support kids in EBR, WBR that can't afford to pay registration fees. The motto for NFL Flag is every kid can play.
6. Our league also encourages healthy competition among disabled students. We didn't get enough kids registered this year to form a team. But we hope to be able to run games for students with disabilities in the near future.
Goals and Objectives Goals:
Empower Youth Development: Increase critical thinking, grit, and resilience in students by fostering an environment that builds skills, character, and teamwork, preparing them for success both on and off the field.
Support Schools: Provide financial support to schools through fundraising opportunities and coaching stipends for teachers, ensuring they benefit directly from the league’s activities.
Strengthen Families: Connect families with accessible services and resources that empower them to thrive within their communities.
Boost Local Economies: Generate revenue for small businesses by offering them vendor opportunities at MSS events, helping them market and sell their goods to a larger audience.
Cultivate Lifelong Skills: Instill essential life skills such as resilience, teamwork, and a growth mindset while promoting health, wellness, and a passion for lifelong learning and sport.
