Open Gym
From 3:00-5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, we host an open gym at the Urban Youth Academy for anyone to utilize the indoor field, cages, and weight room.
Programs
Youth Baseball & Softball
At the UYA, we are committed to empowering Kansas City’s youth through our extensive baseball and softball programs. Our mission is to help young people grow into better individuals and future leaders. The values we instill extend beyond the field, preparing them for success in all aspects of life.
We offer a variety of year-round player development programs, including open gym sessions and training for ages 5-18. Our Academy also hosts numerous clinics and camps designed to develop and introduce participants of all ages and skill levels.
You can explore and register for all our programs through LeagueApps.
Youth Elite Training (YET) Program
The Youth Elite Training Program is an opportunity for the Intermediate to Advanced players ages 9-18 to continue developing their overall skills for baseball. Players will gain instruction in hitting, fielding, throwing, and baserunning.
Fastpitch Softball Programming
Fastpitch Softball Programming offers comprehensive opportunities to grow and develop in many facets of softball, such as hitting, defense, pitching, and catching. All our programs are built for Beginner to Advanced levels and allow athletes to learn at their own pace. These programs are offered to athletes ages 7-18.
RBI
The Urban Youth Academy hosts the Royals RBI divisions of T-ball, Machine, and Player pitch to increase and promote greater inclusion and participation of youth with diverse backgrounds while encouraging academic achievement.
Education
Our programs extend beyond the field. We offer educational support for the students and families we serve. By partnering with local colleges and universities, UYA guides participants towards graduation and encourages them to pursue higher education after high school.
Crown Schools Program
The Crown Schools Program is designed to create the next generation of baseball and softball fans by implementing USA Baseball’s Fun at Bat curriculum in elementary schools' physical education classes. By joining the Crown Schools Program, schools receive access to the following:
- All-expense paid field trips to Kauffman Stadium, Urban Youth Academy, and Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
- A special school visit from Royals mascot, Sluggerrr
- Mini baseball and softball clinics hosted at the participating school
- Tickets to Royals home games
eSports
Through the video game MLB The Show, the Urban Youth Academy offers Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced course offerings for youth ages 9-12 and 13-18. MLB The Show is a fun, alternative way for athletes to learn the games of baseball and softball. Participants can feel like part of a team when they are playing with, or even against, other participants within this course.
Field Trips to the Academy and Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
Schools are encouraged to bring their classes to the Urban Youth Academy and pair it with a trip to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. The field trip begins with a tour of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, then followed up with fun-filled station-based activities at the Academy.
Health & Wellness
The UYA provides year-round programs to help our youth participants become well-rounded. It’s crucial for our youth to learn how to take care of their bodies, build strength, recover properly, train correctly, and be prepared for potential injuries. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of mental wellness, teaching our participants strategies to manage stress, stay focused, and maintain a positive mindset.
Strength and Conditioning Programs
Strength and conditioning programs are offered at various times throughout the year. The programs include introductory levels focused on teaching age-appropriate exercises as well as more advanced programs focused on improving speed, power, and overall strength.
Pitchers Maintenance Program
The Pitchers Maintenance Program is designed for pitchers to help prevent common injuries through arm care education and training. Each participant undergoes an orthopedic evaluation to identify high potential risks for injury. Individualized at-home exercise programs are also created to correct problem areas found in the orthopedic evaluations.