BUILDING SOMETHING GREAT

MISSION

wreSTL provides youth the opportunity to reach their potential within their community through mentoring and sport. wreSTL supports youth wrestling in the St. Louis region by increasing awareness, access and participation in the sport.

ORGANIZATION

wreSTL is a year-round youth wrestling club founded in 2015 in the City of St. Louis. As the only program of its kind in the city, we use wrestling as a tool to build character, confidence, and community—on and off the mat. Open to kids ages 4–18, our programs are designed to welcome total beginners, support growing athletes, and prepare competitive wrestlers to reach the next level.

At wreSTL, we combine high-level wrestling instruction with intentional mentorship. Every practice is led by certified coaches and supported by a club culture that prioritizes effort, respect, and accountability. Kids don’t have to be future champions to belong here—they just have to show up ready to learn, grow, and get better.

Our mission is to expand access to elite training and positive role models for youth across St. Louis—especially in under-resourced neighborhoods. We believe wrestling should be for everyone: boys and girls, city and county, newcomers and native St. Louisans, refugees and neighborhood kids alike. Wherever you’re starting from, we’ll meet you there.

Now based in the historic Fox Park neighborhood, wreSTL is more than a wrestling club. We’re a family, a movement, and a place where kids build something bigger—one practice at a time.

CLUB OWNERSHIP MODEL

The club ownership model creates an environment where kids are stakeholders in the success of the club and themselves. We teach the kids to take responsibility for the facility, equipment, and themselves as representatives of wreSTL. Kids are required to complete a minimal level of “chores” such as mopping the mats, cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming, taking out trash, etc. In addition, members are invited to participate in the promotion of the club and are tasked with being positive role models in the community as they represent the sport and our club. We want everyone, from kids to parents to staff, to take ownership of our club and treat it as if it were their own and they had a stake in its success.

MOMENTORS

The MOmentor program operates on a simple concept: be present in a positive way for young people. Mentorship comes in many forms; from participating in social events to supervising club chores or community volunteerism. Additionally, professionals from the community may volunteer their skills and expertise to help our members in their personal development. From education in nutrition to occupational therapy to yoga – professionals donate their time and expertise to our youth participants.