About the Youth Center of Arts & Sports
The Youth Center of Arts & Sports is a youth development organization dedicated to helping young people discover their strengths and build a successful future.
Founded in Toledo, Ohio, by professional athlete Devonte Pratt, the program was created to give youth a positive environment where they can grow physically, creatively, and mentally.
We serve youth ages 5–18 through structured programs that promote education, fitness, creativity, and leadership.
Our mission is simple: help youth overcome obstacles and build the confidence needed to achieve their goals.
What Makes Our Program Different
We are not just a sports program, and we are not just tutoring.
We are a structured system designed to develop disciplined, confident, and successful young people on and off the court.
Our approach combines:
Athletic training to build discipline and work ethic
Academic support to strengthen focus and performance in school
Mentorship to guide decision-making and personal growth
Everything we do is built around consistency, structure, and real-life development, not just short-term activities.
Why This Program Was Created
Devonte Pratt didn’t create this program from theory. He built it from real life experience.
Growing up in Toledo, he was surrounded by the same challenges many young people face today: limited opportunities, lack of structure, and environments that didn’t always support long-term success.
Basketball became his outlet. It gave him discipline, focus, and a path forward.
But everything changed after the loss of his mother.
That moment became a turning point. It shifted his perspective from simply chasing success in sports to understanding something bigger: purpose.
He realized that many youth never consistently receive the structure, mentorship, and guidance they need to succeed.
This program was created to change that.
To provide young people with the support, direction, and opportunities that can shape not just athletes, but strong, confident individuals prepared for life.
Our Team
Devonte Pratt — Founder & Program Leader
A professional basketball player and mentor dedicated to empowering youth through sports and leadership.
Alazai Bush — Creative Arts Instructor
A Toledo-based entrepreneur and creative professional specializing in artistic expression, including balloon art and painting.
Jameer Pratt — Fitness Trainer
Focused on helping youth develop strength, discipline, and healthy habits through structured training.
What Your Child Will Gain
Our program doesn’t just emphasize activities to occupy students. Instead, our program focuses on results that will benefit youth in the long run.
Through consistent participation in our program, youth develop:
Greater discipline and accountability
Increased confidence in themselves and their abilities
Improved academic performance and focus
Stronger leadership skills and decision-making abilities
These are the foundations that help young people succeed not only in sports, but in school and in life.
Our Vision
To create a generation of young leaders who are physically strong, creatively inspired, and mentally prepared for success in life.
Our Mission
To empower youth by combining sports, arts, mentorship, and career development so they can rise above challenges and reach their full potential.
Our Commitment to Youth
We are committed to providing a safe, structured, and supportive environment where every child has the opportunity to grow.
Through our programs, youth are empowered to:
Build confidence
Develop leadership skills
Improve physical health
Explore creativity
Prepare for future opportunities
Join the Youth Center of Arts & Sports
Give your child the opportunity to grow through sports, creativity, and leadership development.