Sports & Leadership Academy
Training the
Whole Person
Empowering youth through sports, leadership, education, mental wellness, and community support.
Who We Are
Building Leaders Through Sports, Wellness, and Community
We develop young people by combining athletics, mentorship, education, and mental wellness support — helping youth grow into confident leaders on and off the field.
01
Mission
Our Mission is to inspire the next generation through sports to live healthier lives, and to be innovators and change agents in their communities.
02
Vision
We empower youth through sports, leadership development, education, and positive community support — helping them reach their full potential and make a difference.
03
Purpose
We train the whole person — physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally — so our youth are prepared to thrive in every area of life.
Five Years of Impact
The Lives
We Have Reached
Sports & Leadership Academy has impacted students and families over the years through sports, education, leadership, mentorship, and community outreach both locally and internationally.
Local Roots. Global Reach.
SALA continues to serve students and families across the United States, Liberia, and Uganda — building healthier lives and stronger leaders through service.
SALA - USA
2,000 +
Students and Families served locally through sports programs, mentorship, education, leadership development, and community engagement.
SALA - Liberia
200 +
Students and Families served in Liberia through international outreach, youth sports, leadership development, and community support.
SALA - Uganda
300 +
Students and Families served in Uganda through youth engagement, leadership opportunities, community outreach, and global impact initiatives.
2,500 +
A growing legacy of service across local and international communities.
This important milestone reflects SALA’s mission to inspire the next generation through sports to live healthier lives and become leaders in their communities.
Learn MoreOur Programs
Developing Youth Beyond the Game
Through our programs, we empower young people with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities they need to succeed in life.
Career Services
Helping youth explore career options, build resumes, prepare for interviews, and access future opportunities.
Program Details
The S.A.L.A. Career Service Program supports students and young adults with career counseling, resume building, interview preparation, and job placement support.
- Career counseling
- Resume builder support
- Interview preparation
- Job placement guidance
Sessions are scheduled for Saturdays from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM at Brooklyn Park Library.
Mentorship / Leadership
Guiding young people through positive mentorship, discipline, confidence, and leadership training.
Program Details
Our mentorship and leadership work helps youth build character, confidence, discipline, accountability, and decision-making skills that transfer beyond sports.
- Leadership development
- Positive mentorship
- Confidence and accountability
- Community-minded growth
Podcast
Sharing conversations, stories, and lessons around sports, leadership, wellness, and community.
Podcast Details
The SALA podcast is a platform that welcomes stories from all walks of life to celebrate important milestones and resilience.
The podcast has been active since November 2024 and continues to build a platform for stories, growth, and community connection.
Education
Supporting academic growth, learning habits, personal development, and long-term student success.
Education Support
SALA supports students through education-focused programming that encourages academic growth, leadership, preparation, and access to opportunities.
Career Pathway Educational Program
The Summer Career Pathway Program is a two-week, 10-day program that introduces middle school students in Grades 6–9 to diverse career options, strengthens core life and workplace skills, and equips each student with a personal Career Portfolio.
Program Goals & Objectives
- Awareness: Expose students to at least 6–9 career clusters.
- Exploration: Encourage self-reflection on interests, values, and skills.
- Skill Development: Practice communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving.
- Readiness: Provide tools such as resume writing, interview practice, and career planning.
- Confidence: Build motivation and self-belief in preparing for high school and beyond.
S.A.L.A Sports Performance
Sports, Strength
& Development
AAU Basketball, Soccer Select, strength and speed development, adult fitness, and athletic performance all live under the S.A.L.A Sports Performance umbrella.
AAU Basketball
On-court skill development focused on dribbling, shooting, passing, defense, conditioning, and game IQ.
Soccer Select
Soccer skills development for athletes ages 8–25 years old through structured technical training and competitive growth.
Sports Performance Tab
Strength, Speed
& Athletic Development
S.A.L.A Sports Performance brings together strength and conditioning, speed development, fitness classes, adult programming, and athletic club opportunities under one clear performance pathway.
Youth & Athlete Development
- Elementary Strength & Speed Development — foundational movement, coordination, confidence, and athletic habits.
- Middle School Speed & Strength Development — age-appropriate speed mechanics, agility, strength fundamentals, and discipline.
- High School Speed & Strength Development — advanced performance training for speed, power, strength, and competitive readiness.
- College / Professional Strength & Speed Development — performance-focused support for athletes preparing for higher levels.
Adult Program
- Former Athlete / Non-Athlete Fitness Class
- Afrobeats Fitness Class
- Sports & Leadership Academy Athletic Club Fitness Program
Book Your Next Consultation
Start with a consultation and find the right athletic performance, fitness, or development pathway.
Book Consultation NowS.A.L.A Sports Performance includes AAU Basketball, Soccer Select, strength and conditioning, youth athlete development, college/professional training, adult fitness, and athletic club programming.
Community Engagement
Impact Beyond the Game
We connect families, youth, and communities through events, wellness initiatives, and recreational programs.
Brooklyn Center HealthFair
Supporting community wellness through health awareness, outreach, and family-centered engagement.
Oakdale Annual
An annual community event bringing people together through service, connection, and positive experiences.
Recreation Sports
Accessible sports activities that help youth and families stay active, connected, and engaged.
International Impact
Expanding Leadership Across Borders
SALA is building meaningful connections beyond the local community through international outreach, sports development, and leadership opportunities.
Liberia
Supporting youth development, leadership, and sports-based community growth through international outreach.
Uganda
Creating opportunities for connection, mentorship, and positive youth engagement through global partnerships.
Official Store
Wear the Mission
Support Sports & Leadership Academy by shopping official apparel and gear. Every purchase helps represent the mission and support youth development.
Shop Official
SALA Apparel
Explore shirts, sweatshirts, drinkware, polos, bags, headwear, and more from the official Sports & Leadership Academy store.
T-Shirts
Browse official SALA tees for men, women, and youth.
Sweatshirts
Comfortable gear for events, training days, and everyday wear.
Drinkware
Stay ready with branded bottles and drinkware options.
Headwear & Bags
Complete the look with useful accessories and branded gear.
Partners & Affiliates
Building Impact Through Partnership
Sports & Leadership Academy is proud to collaborate with organizations, schools, community partners, and programs that help expand opportunities for youth development, wellness, education, and leadership.