Empowering Youth Leaders Since 2011

YALD is a sports-based youth development nonprofit 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 supports youth and young adults from junior high through college through structured activities, mentorship, and leadership development. Our programming includes 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 creating positive change in their communities.

 Benchmarks and Impact 

• Founded in 2011 in Washington Heights, New York City
   
• Started with 24 participants with shared uniforms and limited equipment
   
• 2012 milestone: expanded to 51 participants and 6 teams, raised funds to improve equipment and program operations
   
• 2014 milestone: achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status
   
• Serves youth from junior high through college through sports-based leadership development and mentorship
   
• Leadership development is structured around 11 Core Elements, including responsibility, empathy, self-regulation, teamwork, and academic excellence
   
• Over 80 percent of participants come from low-income households
   
• Programs are free of charge due to support from community partners, volunteers, sponsors, and donors
   
• Community engagement is a consistent program pillar through cleanups, drives, and service events that teach leadership through action

YALD Flag Football League (YFFL) 2026 Season

The YALD Flag Football League (YFFL) returns for Season 16, with teams competing each Saturday from September through December 2026. Before the season begins, our Summer Training Camp and Tournaments will run from July through August 2026, serving as a key development and evaluation period to support player growth and prepare teams for the season ahead.

Throughout the summer, coaches and league coordinators work together to finalize rosters and build the official season schedule based on player availability. Practices and game times are planned to ensure a balanced, competitive, and engaging season for all participants.

League Orientation and Uniform Handout, Opening Day, and the Family Bowl in-season tournament dates will be announced.

Youth Clinic Program (Ages 7 to 11) 2026

In 2026, YALD will once again offer our 10-week Youth Clinic Program for children ages 7 to 11. This program teaches football fundamentals while building confidence, discipline, and leadership rooted in YALD core values.

Participants will learn:

• Football basics: passing, catching, running, and flag pulling
   
• Teamwork and communication on and off the field
   
• Leadership skills: leading by example and encouraging others
   
• Sportsmanship and respect: fair play and handling wins and losses
   
• Physical health: endurance, coordination, flexibility, and fitness
   
• Mental wellness: resilience, self-regulation, and positive mindset habits
   
• YALD core values: responsibility, empathy, education, and community involvement

The clinic is designed to give young athletes a strong foundation in football while building confidence, discipline, and leadership they can carry into school, home, and everyday life.

Save These Important Dates (2026)

Dates:

• Summer Training Camp and Tournaments: July to August 2026
   
• League Orientation and Uniform Handout: Date TBD
   
• Opening Day: Date TBD
   
• Family Bowl (In-Season Tournament): Date TBD
   
• End of Regular Season: Date TBD
   
• Turkey Bowl (Thanksgiving): Thursday, November 26, 2026
   
• Playoffs: Date TBD
   
• Championship Game: Date TBD