The Excel Youth Academy is kicking off its 2025 season on March 23 with an exciting Open House event that combined culinary creativity, outdoor fun, and an introduction to a year of enriching opportunities for youth and families. Running from March through October, the 2025 season will continue the Academy’s tradition of providing high-quality, accessible programming for young scholars interested in golf, leadership, and personal growth.
The season’s launch event will be held at the home base of the Academy’s culinary director, the Sauce Queen Kitchen and Pantry in Atlanta, Ga. Attendees were treated to a live farm-to-table cooking demonstration by Chef India of @chefindia.co, featuring free tastings for all guests. Right across the street in Atlanta’s Adair Park, the excitement continued with a golf demo and swing challenge designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of the game in a fun and engaging way.
This family-friendly event was open to the public. Excel Youth Academy (EYA) members, as always, enjoyed free entry. For those not yet enrolled, the Open House offered the perfect opportunity to join and begin reaping the many benefits of membership. These included free monthly clinics, access to private and group golf lessons, summer camp scholarships, and numerous other perks that support both athletic development and academic enrichment.
Excel Youth Academy was founded with the goal of creating opportunities for youth, particularly from underrepresented and underserved communities, to gain life skills and educational access through golf and mentorship. The Academy focuses on more than just sports—it aims to build character, leadership, and long-term success. Central to this mission is LeRoy Bates, whose vision and leadership have helped shape EYA into a respected and impactful organization. Bates, a longtime advocate for youth development and diversity in golf, continues to inspire young people by making the sport more inclusive and by providing them with tools to excel both on and off the course.
Under Bates’s direction, EYA has become a vital community resource, offering a supportive environment where young people can explore their potential. The upcoming season promises to deliver even more opportunities for personal growth through structured programs and hands-on experiences. From swing mechanics to scholarship planning, the Academy delivers a comprehensive curriculum aimed at developing well-rounded young individuals.
With 2025 shaping up to be one of Excel Youth Academy’s most dynamic years yet, the Open House is just the beginning. Those interested can learn more or register online at ExcelYouthAcademy.com. It’s not just about playing golf—it’s about building futures, one swing at a time.
