At the heart of the AFK mentorship program are stories. Stories of kindness, acceptance and inclusion. Of mentors, buddies and of their friendship—which has a lifetime impact.
Will and Buddy
My freshman year of high school, I was looking for things to do, and a few guys on my lacrosse team participated in AFK. I had no clue what it was at the time, but I signed up intrigued by what it could entail. I was paired up with my buddy about a year ago, […]
Isaac and Buddy
In the spring of my sophomore year, I was in the middle of my school soccer season, and on the team chat, I got a link to this program called Athletes for Kids that I’d never heard of. Instantly, I signed up, not knowing just how special this program truly is. Later that year, in […]
Ethan Jones and Buddy
I’ve been in the Athletes for Kids program since my sophomore year. Joining Athletes for Kids has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in high school. My buddy and I meet every week, which has turned into a strong bond and a great friendship! Whether we’re inside playing board games, laser tag, Lego, […]
Nolan and Buddy
Joining Athletes for Kids has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and being a mentor since my sophomore year has truly shaped who I am today. My buddy and I have been matched for about a year and a half, and during that time we’ve built a really strong bond, we’re always […]
Swathi and Buddy
Being matched with my buddy over two years ago became one of the most positive changes in my life during high school. My years in the program helped me grow as a person, learning compassion and flexibility. But more importantly, it brought me one of my closest friends. My buddy and I made so many […]
Seb Gonzalez and Buddy
I have been matched with my buddy since the beginning of my sophomore year, and since then, he has changed my life in ways I didn’t expect. Being part of a mentorship program, I knew that I would be faced with situations that would force me to grow as a person. But, over my two […]
Sebastian and Buddy
I joined Athletes for Kids in the spring of my junior year, and it has turned out to be one of the most meaningful things I have done in my life. I went into my mentorship hoping to give back to my community and create a special relationship with my buddy. I have gotten so […]
Sean and Buddy
I joined AFK in the summer before my junior year, and it’s become something I look forward to every weekend. When I first joined, I didn’t know exactly what to expect but I wanted a fun and engaging relationship. I knew it was a great fit when I met my buddy for the first time, […]
Meskie and Buddy
Joining Athletes for kids has been such an amazing experience and I couldn’t be more thankful for the new friendship I have gained. My buddy is such a joy to be around, and I always look forward to our weekly girl debriefs over our lives. Whether it’s baking cookies, playing games or getting our nails […]
Logan and Buddy
Joining Athletes for Kids was one of the greatest decisions of my life, and has become such a beneficial part of my life. Throughout my time with my buddy, we’ve built a lasting friendship that has taught me skills and life lessons that I can carry on throughout other parts of my life. We always […]