EST. 1999 220 + LEAGUES 52K PLAYERS The Little League® Urban Across the United States, The Little League® Urban Initiative was established in The Little League® Urban Initiative has stimulated 1999 as a new component Initiative currently operates the participation of 4,000 of Little League Baseball within 220 leagues in nearly teams, which equals out and Softball. 90 cities. to approximately 52,000 players, participating in This League provides assistance packages for eligible leagues that nearly 30 field renovation aid the local volunteer group with equipment acquisition, capital and development projects improvement cash grants, field development and renovation, access to Little League Baseball and Softball Education and Training programs, around the country. advocacy, and networking. LITTLE LEAGUE® URBAN INITIATIVE

TRAINING AND EDUCATION: THE PRESENT, THE FUTURE: NETWORKING / ADVOCACY:

The Little League Urban Initiative Other aspects of the Little League Because many of the Little League actively promotes recruitment Urban Initiative include a Summer Urban Initiative leagues and other and retention for local leagues Baseball Camp Scholarship for independent organizations operating through Little League Training and players ages 10-14; The Howard in these environments face the same Education programs. At various & Gail Paster Urban Initiative problems, networking opportunities times throughout the year, Little Volunteer of the Year Award given are crucial to the growth of a volunteer League provides a variety of annually during the Little League based organization. Little League clinics at its five regional centers World Series; and the numerous encourages mentoring relationships and at Little League International Urban Initiative Jamboree events with other Urban Initiative leagues, in Williamsport. The clinic topics that take place across the country working toward positive relationships include instruction for managers, each spring. Additionally, the Little with appropriate municipal agencies, coaches, umpires and league League Urban Initiative plans to developing assessments of their administrators, with emphasis on continue to help renovate and program’s budgetary needs and safety, child protection, and parent develop Little League fields for concerns, as well as compiling orientation. Any volunteer involved Urban Initiative leagues. lists of funding opportunities in their with a local Urban Initiative league own communities. can attend any of the clinics at no charge and receive resource materials free or at a reduced cost.

THESE COMPANIES AND ORGANIZATIONS HAVE SUPPORTED AND CONTRIBUTED TO THE LITTLE LEAGUE® URBAN INITIATIVE:

• The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation • The Baseball Factory • The Houston Astros • Easton • The Softball Factory • The Atlanta Braves • Major League Baseball • Comcast / The Comcast Foundation • The Chicago White Sox • The American Honda Motor Company • The Annie E. Casey Foundation • The New York Mets • Bank of America • The 25th Century Foundation • The Milwaukee Brewers • The Torii Hunter Project • The Tampa Bay Rays • The New York Yankees • The Walt Disney Company • The Los Angeles Dodgers • Got Bustos? • Popular Mechanics Magazine • The San Diego Padres

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE URBAN INITIATIVE CONTACT: Little League ® Demiko Ervin, Director of the Urban Initiative 570.326.1921 ext. 2245 | [email protected]

539 U.S. Highway 15 | P.O. Box 3485 | Williamsport, PA 17701-0485 | 570.326.1921 | LittleLeague.org