Download the Up2Us brochure to learn more
Our Members
The Up2Us coalition is over 400 members strong- and growing! Become an Up2Us member today and learn how SBYD can help the youth in your community.
Our Mission
To increase the impact of and access to sports as a tool for positive youth development.
Our Vision
One day, all youth, regardless of socio-economic background, have the opportunity to be engaged by sports that teach them values and skills that help them achieve goals on the field, in school and in life.
Up2Us seeks to achieve this vision through a four-tiered mission: to define and increase the quality of programs so that they achieve youth development outcomes; to involve more kids in Sports-Based Youth Development programs, especially in underserved communities; to educate the public about the value of SBYD programs; and to engage more people to volunteer and work in SBYD programs.
The Need
Youth who play sports....
Complete homework more often, have a stronger connection to school, and have a better chance of graduating high school,
Are less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol,
Are less likely to become pregnant,
Are less likely to suffer from chronic health conditions like asthma and diabetes, and
Are more likely to stay active as adults.
Welcome to Up2Us. Bring Change.
About Us
Download the Up2Us brochure to learn more
Our Members
The Up2Us coalition is over 400 members strong- and growing! Become an Up2Us member today and learn how SBYD can help the youth in your community.
Our Mission
To increase the impact of and access to sports as a tool for positive youth development.
Our Vision
One day, all youth, regardless of socio-economic background, have the opportunity to be engaged by sports that teach them values and skills that help them achieve goals on the field, in school and in life.
Up2Us seeks to achieve this vision through a four-tiered mission: to define and increase the quality of programs so that they achieve youth development outcomes; to involve more kids in Sports-Based Youth Development programs, especially in underserved communities; to educate the public about the value of SBYD programs; and to engage more people to volunteer and work in SBYD programs.
The Need
The SBYD Solution
- Over $2 billion was cut from sports programs in public schools in 2008.
- According to the 2000 census, only 3% of youth in low-income areas play organized sports.
- One third of the nation's children will be overweight or obese by third grade. Low-income areas have an even higher risk.
- Thirty percent of youth won't graduate from high school. For inner-city communities, only half with earn the diploma.
- Today, more than 750,000 youth are involved in gang activity.
Youth who play sports....
Complete homework more often, have a stronger connection to school, and have a better chance of graduating high school,
Are less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol,
Are less likely to become pregnant,
Are less likely to suffer from chronic health conditions like asthma and diabetes, and
Are more likely to stay active as adults.