Our Mission & Vision

Championing Mental Health for the Next Generation of Athletes

Alston for Athletes (AFA) mission is to strengthen mental health and performance in athletics by expanding access to care and building partnerships that break down barriers for student-athletes. Our vision is a world where mental health is an essential part of an athlete’s journey, support is accessible, and athletes and coaches are empowered to navigate the demands of sport and beyond. Founded by Marcus Alston, AFA grew out of his own experience as a student-athlete — and his determination to change the systems that failed him.

Marcus Alston, Founder of Alston for Athletes
Our Framework

3 Pillars

Our mission is built on three pillars giving student-athletes the awareness, advocacy, and access they need to succeed in sport, school, and life.

Awareness

Equipping coaches, parents, and student-athletes with the knowledge to recognize and respond to mental health challenges.

Advocacy

Advancing policies and partnerships that improve mental health support for student-athletes.

Access

Expanding access to quality mental health resources and care, especially for underserved student-athletes.

Real Impact

We helped make coach mental-health training the law!

Our advocacy helped pass legislation in Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, and Colorado requiring mental-health training for high school and/or college coaches — turning awareness into lasting change.

4
State laws passed
2019
Founded
100k+
Coaches trained
Advocacy Efforts
How We Help

Built for Real Support

Scholarship Program

Mental Health Scholarships

We fund mental-health support for student-athletes who are struggling — removing cost as a barrier to care.

Learn more →
Ways to Give

Where Your Gift Goes

Every contribution is tax-deductible and goes directly to advocacy, scholarships, and resources for student-athletes.

$50

Advocacy outreach to a legislator.

Give $50 →
$100

Design policy content.

Give $100 →
$125

Funds a therapy session for a student-athlete.

Give $125 →

Be part of the next generation's support system

Your gift funds scholarships, advocacy, and the resources that help young athletes protect their mental health

Donate Today