Member Organizations

Up2Us is made for all programs and practitioners that use sports to bring about "positive youth development." Organizations that support and provide services to sports programs are also welcome to join, as are universities and researchers that focus on youth development.

Members of Up2Us typically fall into the following categories:

1. "Sports Plus" Programs

These programs combine sports with other core enrichment activities, such as mentoring, service-learning, literary arts, or environmental awareness. "Sports Plus" programs usually employ paid staff that coordinates activities, training and adherence to specific outcomes.

2. "Recreational" Programs

Programming centers on sport and sports instruction. "Recreational" programs are usually characterized by an emphasis on the sports participation and enjoyment and lessons in team plan and sportsmanship. "Recreational" programs typically depend on volunteer coaches and staff.

3. "Sports-as-a-Hook" Programs

"Sports-as-a-Hook" programs typically offer a range of curricula, such as computer skills, tutoring, teen centers, and nutrition, with sports used to hook youth interest. These organizations are usually characterized by seasonal leagues with less emphasis on competition, and have staff and volunteers that are not all trained coaches.

4. Intermediary and Service Provider Organizations