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Mission Statement
YALD is a sports-based youth development non-profit dedicated to empowering underserved young people with the skills and confidence to achieve their dreams and become positive forces for change in their communities. We believe that physical activity is vital for youth development, contributing to their physical, social, and emotional well-being. Using team sports as a platform, YALD engages young people aged eight to 17 in various activities, including life skills development, nutrition education, academic support, and community service. Our vision is to equip young individuals from underserved communities with resources and mentorship to succeed in both academics and sports, becoming healthy, well-rounded individuals capable of effecting positive change in their communities.
About Us
Young Adult Leadership & Development (YALD, Inc.) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2011 in Washington Heights with a mission to empower youth from underserved communities through leadership, education, and sports. What began with just 24 participants, one football, and a shared dream has grown into a transformative program serving hundreds of youth each year.
Now celebrating our 15th season, YALD continues to create safe, supportive spaces where young people build character, confidence, and community. Through our flagship YALD Flag Football League (YFFL), students from junior high through college engage in structured athletic competition, leadership training, and values-based education rooted in our 11 Core Elements — including responsibility, empathy, self-regulation, teamwork, and academic excellence.
Our programming goes far beyond the field. YALD offers college and career prep, scholarships, community service events, financial literacy, health education, and meaningful mentorship. From river cleanups to food drives, and from All-Star Games to leadership workshops, we teach that true success is measured not just by wins, but by the impact we make on others.
At our core, we believe leadership is built through action, and that every young person deserves the opportunity to grow, lead, and thrive — regardless of income or background. Over 80% of our participants come from low-income households, and thanks to community partnerships, dedicated volunteers, and generous donors, all of our programs are free of charge.
YALD stands as a testament to what’s possible when youth are given a voice, a team, and a purpose.
Join us in shaping the leaders of tomorrow — one season, one lesson, and one young life at a time.
