in 2006 and has since expanded to four more facilities. There are MLB Urban Youth Academies in Compton (2007), Houston (2010), New Orleans (2012), Cincinnati (2014), and Philadelphia (2015) with additional facilities in development. The Washington Nationals operate the Nationals Youth Academy. The MLB Urban Youth Academies offer free year-round instruction for youth in baseball and softball, and s
tresses the importance of continuing education and mentorship within the community. Vocational programs and clinics include broadcasting, field maintenance, coaching, scouting, umpiring, and more in hopes of exposing youth to all careers within the baseball industry. The family of UYAs have seen nearly 100 kids drafted by professional baseball teams with over 500 more going on to play collegiately. Seven former UYA participants have reached the Major Leagues and four have been First Round draft picks. Additional members have gone on to establish baseball careers in umpiring, scouting, coaching, and executive roles. The Urban Youth Foundation 501(c)3 non-profit aims to facilitate experiences and opportunities for youth from urban and at-risk areas as evidenced by our chosen locations. However, our organization feels strongly that baseball and softball is a melting pot of cultures and demographics where despite economic situation these sports should not require financial resources for experiences, opportunities, and elite-level instruction. All are welcome regardless of economic situation, age, experience, or skill level to register and participate in the MLB Urban Youth Academies in order to develop their skills and be part of a positive community!
