About YALD

Our Mission

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.

About Us

Young Adult Leadership and Development (YALD) 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 24 participants, one football, and a shared dream has grown into a year-round community program that supports young people from junior high through college.

Now entering Season 16, YALD continues to create safe, supportive spaces where participants build character, confidence, and community. Through our flagship YALD Flag Football League (YFFL), players take part in structured competition, leadership development, and values-based learning rooted in our 11 Core Elements, including empathy, discipline, self-regulation, communication, integrity, collaboration, and perseverance.

YALD goes far beyond the field. We offer mentorship, college and career preparation, scholarships, community service, financial literacy, health education, and ongoing support for young people as they grow into adulthood. From river cleanups to food drives, and from skill challenges to leadership workshops, we teach that success is not only measured by wins. It is measured by the impact we make on others.

Over 80 percent of our participants come from low-income households. Through the support of community sponsors, donors, volunteers, and partners, YALD programs remain free for participants. Sponsorships are identified and confirmed during Summer Training Camp as YALD prepares for the season. Families who are able may choose to sponsor their own child, while YALD works to identify community sponsorship support for participants whose families are unable to do so.

Join us in shaping the leaders of tomorrow, one season, one lesson, and one young life at a time.

How YALD Works

Young Adult Leadership and Development (YALD, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Washington Heights, New York City. Founded in 2011, YALD empowers youth through academic enrichment, leadership training, and organized sports, primarily through our Youth Flag Football League (YFFL).

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Our Impact in Action

Impact in Action: A real moment from YALD on the field.

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 empathy, discipline, self-regulation, communication, integrity, collaboration, and perseverance
Over 80 percent of participants come from low-income households
Programs are free for participants through community sponsors, donors, volunteers, and partners. Sponsorships are confirmed during Summer Training Camp, and families who are able may choose to sponsor their own child. When a family is unable to do so, YALD works to identify community sponsorship support so cost does not prevent participation.
Community engagement is a consistent program pillar through cleanups, drives, and service events that teach leadership through action

YFFL 2026 Season and Youth Clinic Program

YALD Flag Football League (YFFL) — 2026 Season

The YALD Flag Football League returns for Season 16, serving youth ages 12 to 17 through flag football, leadership development, mentorship, fitness, and community-building opportunities.

Summer Training Camp runs on Saturdays from July 18 through August 29, 2026, and is open to YFFL and Youth Clinic participants. Camp gives young people an opportunity to build skills, improve conditioning, develop confidence, and prepare for the fall season.

The YFFL fall season begins with training, scrimmages, and final tryouts in September. Participants will then be assigned to teams and compete in a structured four-team league, with Saturday games, team practices, leadership discussions, and Body Literacy activities throughout the season.

YFFL is more than flag football. Participants are expected to grow as teammates, leaders, and members of their community through accountability, communication, sportsmanship, fitness, and positive decision-making.

Youth Clinic Program — Ages 7 to 11

The YALD Youth Clinic is a 10-week introductory flag football and youth-development program for children ages 7 to 11.

The clinic runs on Sundays from September 20 through November 22, 2026. It is designed to help younger participants build a strong foundation in football, movement, confidence, discipline, teamwork, and leadership before progressing into older YALD programs.

Participants will learn:

Football fundamentals, including passing, catching, running, flag pulling, and safe movement
Teamwork and communication on and off the field
Leadership through encouragement, accountability, and leading by example
Sportsmanship, respect, and how to handle wins and losses
Physical fitness, coordination, balance, agility, flexibility, and endurance
Mental wellness skills, including resilience, self-regulation, and a positive mindset
YALD core values: responsibility, empathy, education, leadership, and community involvement

The Youth Clinic gives young athletes a supportive place to learn, grow, stay active, and build confidence they can carry into school, home, sports, and everyday life.

Save These Important Dates — 2026

Summer Training Camp
Saturdays, July 18–August 29, 2026
9:30 AM–12:30 PM

Training & Scrimmage
Saturday, September 12, 2026

Final Tryout
Saturday, September 19, 2026

Youth Clinic Begins
Sunday, September 20, 2026

League Orientation, Awards & Uniform Handout
Saturday, September 26, 2026

Opening Day
Saturday, October 3, 2026

In-Season Tournament
Sundays, November 1, 8, and 15, 2026

End of Regular Season
Saturday, November 21, 2026

Youth Clinic Ends
Sunday, November 22, 2026

Turkey Bowl
Thursday, November 26, 2026

Playoffs
Saturday, December 5, 2026

Championship Game
Saturday, December 12, 2026

Empowering Youth Leaders Since 2011

Remembering Christopher “CJ” Redding