The mission of TeamMates is to positively impact the world by inspiring youth to reach their full potential. The TeamMates Program began in 1991 with the vision of University of Nebraska Head Football Coach Tom Osborne and his wife Nancy. The program began with twenty-two football players who met with middle school students in the Lincoln Public Schools. TeamMates has expanded and currently there are more than 5,000 matches (roughly 5,000 mentors, 5,000 youth) in 112 communities across Nebraska, Iowa and California!