Five years ago, we started with a simple but massive goal: to give young people more than just a playbook for one part of life. We wanted to give them a playbook for life. Today, as we prepare for the 5th Annual Youth Empowerment Conference on Saturday, June 13th, 2026, that mission is stronger than ever.

If you’ve been following The Team Approach Foundation, you know we don't just talk about sports. We talk about the whole person. We talk about the pressures of being a kid in 2026, the social media noise, the classroom demands, the physical demands of athletics, and the very real risks of substance misuse that can derail a promising future before it even starts.

This isn’t just another seminar. It’s a "Mini-Conference" designed to be a powerful summer kickoff for young people. Held at Claymont Elementary School (3401 Green St, Claymont, DE), this event brings together students, student-athletes, and the adults who support them for a shared experience centered on wellness, life skills, and healthy decision-making.

Why a "Youth Empowerment" Conference?

Let’s be real for a second. The "average" lifestyle for young people today is a grind. Whether you’re balancing classes, sports, family responsibilities, friendships, or all of the above, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We see it all the time—students and student-athletes who are doing their best but still need practical tools to stay grounded, healthy, and focused.

That’s where the conference comes in. We’ve structured this day to resolve that tension. We want to show our youth that being "empowered" means having the tools to navigate modern risk factors with confidence. It means understanding that wellness, smart choices, and a drug-free lifestyle support success in the classroom, in sports, and in everyday life.

What to Expect: Workshops and "Real Talk"

We don’t do boring lectures. Our "Road Show" and "Team Builder" modules are built around participation, conversation, and shared energy. This conference is meant to be an interactive moment for everyone in the room, not a one-way presentation. We want to hear from the kids as much as they hear from us.

• All-Conference Game Show: One of the biggest highlights of the day is our Jeopardy-style interactive experience. Framed through a wellness approach, this game show gets students and student-athletes involved in real-time conversations about healthy choices, decision-making, current risk factors, and how to stay drug-free while still enjoying life and reaching goals.
• Intensive Workshops: We’ll dive deep into life skills that young people need on and off the field. Think nutrition that actually fuels your body, time management for busy students and athletes, communication, confidence, and mental resilience.
• Motivational Speakers: We’re bringing in voices that have been where these kids want to go. These speakers aren't just there to tell a story; they’re there to spark transformation and remind youth that growth is possible with consistency and support.
• Wellness & Prevention: This is the core of what we do. We utilize a trauma-informed, evidence-based curriculum to discuss substance misuse prevention through the lens of total wellness. We strive to provide a safe space where "real talk" about modern pressures is the standard, not the exception.

Support for the Support System: Caregivers and Mentors

One thing that makes the Youth Empowerment Conference unique is that we don't leave the adults out of the conversation. If you’re a parent, caregiver, or coach, you are part of the support system helping students and student-athletes stay healthy, focused, and encouraged.

We’ve integrated emotional support sessions specifically for you. Navigating the world of youth sports and the surrounding social pressures can be just as stressful for the caregiver as it is for the athlete. We provide resources, guidance, and a community of like-minded leaders who are all striving for the same thing: healthy, drug-free, and successful young adults.

The Details You Need to Know

We want to maximize the impact of this day, so we’ve kept the logistics simple:

• Who: Youth ages 9-14 (plus their parents/caregivers!).
• When: Saturday, June 13th, 2026.
• Where: Claymont Elementary School, 3401 Green St, Claymont, DE 19703.
• The Perks: Interactive workshops, an all-sports expo, free meals, swag bags, and giveaways.

We are also proud to mention that our programs are supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This ensures that the information we provide is not only impactful but also professionally vetted and evidence-based.

A Note on Community and Safety

Our coach-led mentorship model is at the heart of everything. We believe that coaches are the key to collective impact. At the conference, you’ll meet our team: lifelong mentors like Coach Joe DeVane and others who have spent decades serving the local community.

We also take our responsibility for outreach seriously. During the event, we often distribute safety resources like medication lock boxes to help families maintain a safe environment at home.

Let’s Kick Off the Summer Right

We’ve seen the data, and we’ve seen the faces. Students and student-athletes who participate in empowerment programs like this report higher levels of confidence, better social-emotional competencies, and a much stronger sense of purpose.

This isn't just about sports. It’s about building leaders. It's about creating a shared experience where every young person who walks through our doors feels seen, supported, and equipped with tools for wellness, life skills, and healthy choices.

Whether you are a returning family or this is your first time hearing about The Team Approach Foundation, we invite you to join us. Let’s resolve to make 2026 the year our youth truly take charge of their futures.

Ready to join the team?

You can register for the upcoming conference and our summer programs right here:
2026 Summer Registration Link

For more information about our mission and other upcoming events, visit us at theteamapproach.org.

teamwork makes the dream work.