How We Started

Boyz to Kings began as more than just a vision – it was a mission rooted in transformation and growth. Founder Coach Merv Mattair took inspiration from his book, Word to My Kings and Queens: Achieving a Renewed and Improved Mind, to create an organization that would empower young men to change their mindsets and step into their potential as future leaders. Reflecting on his own life experiences and challenges, Coach Merv recognized that everything starts with how we think. Boyz to Kings was designed to help young boys become young kings by transforming their thinking, equipping them with the tools to become resilient, self-assured, and compassionate individuals. ​ Originally, Coach Merv worked with youth in a Department of Juvenile Justice campus, witnessing firsthand the struggles young men face without positive guidance. Determined to keep these young men from entering a cycle of struggle and misdirection, he launched Boyz to Kings as a preventative mentoring organization to provide positive male role models for youth who needed them most. It became not just a program, but a calling, to help young men learn how to think critically, see beyond their current circumstances, and shape their futures. Despite the challenges – including a humbling experience early on when much of the local community seemed reluctant to embrace his vision – Coach Merv’s perseverance paid off. Starting with just three boys in his backyard's man cave, Boyz to Kings has grown to serve 17 schools across North Florida and South Georgia, impacting almost 100 youth and their families. in 2024 Girlz to Queens began serving young girls in the community with the same founding principles. The organization reaches communities in Madison, Leon, and Hamilton counties, as well as parts of Georgia, providing support, mentorship, and the steady guidance so many young men need. ​ Coach Merv's journey has been filled with both personal growth and professional milestones, including receiving an honorary doctorate in humanities and Christian business development. This honor affirmed his commitment to building something that uplifts not just a single community but all people. Today, Boyz to Kings proudly supports youth from all backgrounds, creating a space where they can feel valued and inspired to become who they are meant to be. ​ From that first book to the growing program it inspired, Boyz to Kings stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment, driven by the belief that every boy can become a king.