Be Elite Next Level Basketball Foundation

Be Elite Next Level Basketball Foundation is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. The Foundation’s mission is to support and develop youth boys and girls basketball players by promoting discipline, determination, hard work, and leadership both on and off the court.

Through basketball training, mentorship, character development, and life-skills education, the Foundation aims to teach young athletes that consistent effort, accountability, and integrity lead to success not only in sports, but in academics, relationships, and life. The organization is committed to building confident leaders, responsible citizens, and positive role models within their communities.

How We Make A Difference

What We Do

Elite Basketball Development

We provide structured, fundamentals-first training designed to help players improve their skills, confidence, and basketball IQ. Our focus is on:

  • Skill development (shooting, ball-handling, finishing, footwork)
  • Defensive discipline and effort habits
  • Conditioning, athleticism, and injury-prevention basics
  • Team concepts, spacing, decision-making, and leadership

Mentorship & Character Building

We develop the athlete and the person. Our programs emphasize:

  • Accountability and strong habits
  • Coachability, mindset, and resilience
  • Leadership and communication
  • Respect, discipline, and integrity

Life Skills & Academic Support

Basketball is the vehicle—life is the destination. We reinforce:

  • Time management and goal-setting
  • Confidence and self-discipline
  • Healthy routines and personal responsibility
  • Academic focus and positive decision-making

Why We Exist

Too many young athletes have the talent—but lack structure, support, and consistent guidance. We exist to close that gap by giving families access to an environment where:

  • Hard work is expected
  • Character is built daily
  • Players are developed with purpose
  • Kids learn how to lead, not follow

Who We Serve

We serve youth boys and girls athletes who want to improve, compete, and grow. Our foundation supports:

  • Players with financial need
  • Families seeking mentorship-driven sports development
  • Student-athletes who need structure, training, and guidance

Programs & Opportunities

Scholarships & Sponsored Training

We offer scholarship support to help cover:

  • Training sessions
  • Camps and clinics
  • Team fees (as available)
  • Equipment and essentials (as available)
  • Tournament & travel fees

Camps, Clinics, and Community Events

We host events that bring players, families, and supporters together to develop skills and build community through positive competition.

Team Support & Player Development Pathway

For athletes pursuing higher levels of competition, we help provide a roadmap built around:

  • Consistency
  • Work ethic
  • Coachability
  • Character and leadership

Our Founder

Our founder and head coach, Richard Soto, understands firsthand what it means to love a sport but lack the resources to fully participate. Raised by a single father, Coach Soto grew up with a deep passion for basketball, along with the challenges that come when financial limitations stand in the way of opportunity. Those experiences shaped not only who he is as a coach, but also his life’s mission.


Coach Soto founded this organization with a clear belief: any child who wants to participate should have the opportunity to do so—regardless of financial circumstances. Cost should never be the barrier that keeps a young person from discovering their potential, building confidence, or learning life-changing lessons through sports.


At the heart of our foundation is a commitment to developing strong young men and women. We use sports—especially basketball—as a powerful teaching tool to instill values that extend far beyond the court. Through consistent training and mentorship, athletes learn the importance of hard work, dedication, teamwork, communication, accountability, and leadership.


These lessons don’t end when the game is over. They shape how young people approach school, relationships, careers, and life’s challenges. Our goal is not just to develop better athletes, but to help raise disciplined, confident, and resilient individuals who are prepared to lead and succeed in their futures.

BEB Programs

Community Outreach

Community outreach is a core part of what it means to be Be Elite. Our players are taught that success isn’t measured only by points on the scoreboard, but by the impact they make in the lives of others. Through hands-on volunteer work, our athletes actively serve the homeless and underserved members of our community—offering their time, compassion, and support where it’s needed most. These experiences help our players develop humility, empathy, and leadership, reinforcing the understanding that giving back is not optional, but a responsibility. By serving others, our athletes learn that true leadership starts with service, and that the greatest wins often happen off the court.

Dress for Success

The Be Elite Basketball Dress for Success program gives our players meaningful opportunities to put their lessons into action. Focused on the importance of strong first impressions, our athletes are taught that professionalism, confidence, and respect extend far beyond the basketball court. From a firm handshake and confident eye contact to proper attire and positive communication, our players learn how to carry themselves as young leaders. These experiences allow our athletes to demonstrate the core values Be Elite stands for—discipline, character, and leadership—while reinforcing the understanding that how you present yourself matters in every area of life. Through Dress for Success, our players are continually inspired to strive for excellence not only in sports, but in school, in the community, and in their future careers.

Christmas Shopping Spree

The Be Elite Basketball Annual Christmas Shopping Spree is one of our most meaningful community initiatives each year. Made possible through the generosity of our supporters and partners, this event allows us to serve youth across North Texas by providing each child with $100 to shop for gifts for themselves and their families. More than just a shopping experience, the Spree gives our athletes the opportunity to feel joy, dignity, and empowerment by choosing their own gifts in a positive and celebratory environment. This initiative reflects Be Elite’s commitment to uplifting young people beyond the basketball court—beyond the season, and beyond their circumstances—by showing them they are valued, supported, and believed in.

What We Do

We believe real change happens through strong partnerships. We welcome support from individuals and businesses who want to invest in youth development through sports.

Your donation helps us create access and opportunity for youth athletes—especially those who need it most. Every contribution supports training, mentorship, and scholarships that build stronger athletes and stronger communities.

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