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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
At YALD, we are a sports-based non-profit organization dedicated to empowering underserved young people on their journey to achieving their dreams and becoming positive forces for change in their communities. Founded by Carlos Castellanos in 2011 as a start-up flag football league in Washington Heights, YALD has evolved into a holistic youth development program. Our mission is to provide mentorship, supplementary education, and encouragement to help youth succeed in all aspects of their lives.
Using sports as an entry point, YALD engages participants in a wide range of life skills topics, including leadership, fitness, health, community, and career readiness. We believe in nurturing well-rounded individuals, and our program not only focuses on teaching sports fundamentals but also provides guidance on health and nutrition, emotional well-being, responsible decision-making, and building healthy relationships. Through mentorship, we support academic achievement and help participants strike a balance between sports and school.
We firmly believe that all young people have the ability to effect positive change in their communities. To instill this value, community service is a core component of our program. By participating in community service projects, our youth not only learn the importance of giving back but also discover their unique abilities and contributions to making the world a better place.
Since 2011, YALD has served over 500 underserved young people in New York City through our sports and youth development programming, with our participant numbers growing each year. We are proud of our high retention rates, as over 90% of YALD participants remain engaged in the program for two or more years. Moreover, more than 90% of our alumni pursue continuing education after high school, showcasing the long-term impact of our support.
