“I want to start a non-profit. I have this idea where you can take what I am doing as a model [a model based on learning skills and academic performance] and bring it to more schools in Boston. We’re going to grow wrestling,” Boston Youth Wrestling founder
José Valenzuela
said when reflecting on his initial motivations behind Boston Youth Wrestling, which was founded in 2012 (today, Beat the Streets New England/BTSNE).
Valenzuela started an organization around the singular focus of growing wrestling. Quickly, though, Valenzuela realized that there was a much larger mission ahead of him – to develop youth in a meaningful way, a way that uses trauma-trained mentor coaching, social emotional development, and restorative justice practices to combat increasing high school dropout rates, discipline issues, and other maladies commonly impacting Boston youth.
Wrestling was just a means of getting kids in the door, on the mat, and excited about their future.
Today, thanks to Valenzuela’s vision, a few generous initial funders, a passionate team, a strategic plan, and most importantly, eager and dedicated young people, a legacy has been born — a legacy of youth success on the mat, in the classroom, and life.
In 2023, BTSNE (formerly Boston Youth Wrestling) and its vision are as strong as ever.
“I don’t think about quitting. I don’t think about giving up on this,” Valenzuela said. “You set a goal and put as much work into it as possible. Being a wrestler and now a coach, you set a goal, and if you don’t like the outcome, you wake up the next day and work harder.”
Make sure you tune in from April to September as we look back and relive other memorable moments, youth accomplishments, staff achievements, and so much more from decade number one.
If you miss any articles or videos from our BTSNE Ten-Year Celebration, you can find all of our coverage on YouTube and below:
Video 1
:
Celebrating a Decade of Service | Beat the Streets New England 10 Year Anniversary
Video 2
:
Educator with a Vision: Meet Boston Founder Jose Valenzuela
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