Up2Us Sports

Up2US Sports was founded in 2010 in New York City and has grown into a national nonprofit whose mission is to identify, train, and support coaches to transform the lives of youth, programs and communities.

Up2Us Sports accomplishes its’ mission through two signature programs: Up2Us Training and Up2Us Coach. Up2Us Training teaches the components of positive youth development through sports coupled with trauma-sensitive coaching techniques to equip coaches with skills and knowledge to help youth thrive and reach their social and academic potential. We educate coaches, program staff, and community organizations on the fundamentals of quality coaching, the components of positive youth development, as well as how to navigate the challenges and of working in an urban environment. Up2Us Coach is an AmeriCorps program designed to address some of the most pressing issues facing youth who reside in underserved communities. Up2Us Coach recruits young men and women from targeted communities to serve as AmeriCorps Members who are trained in SBYD and trauma-sensitive coaching. Up2Us Coaches engage youth in physical SBYD activities that foster positive social and emotional skill development and in group and individual mentoring sessions that emphasize the link between sports skills and life skills. Up2Us Sports places trained AmeriCorps coaches in schools, parks, community organizations, and nonprofits who partner with Up2Us Sports to expand their sports/recreation programming to serve more youth and deepen their impact.