General Concept

The Youth Education through Sports (YES) Program is the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) premiere outreach to youth across the country. Since 1985, youth ages 10 to 16 have participated in YES Clinics held at NCAA championship sites. Boys and girls learn fundamental skills in a variety of sports, including football, softball, basketball, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, track and field, ice hockey, volleyball and field hockey. Collegiate coaches and student-athletes from around the country are selected to conduct instructional sessions for participants. Student-athletes serve as mentors and group leaders in addition to assisting with skill instruction. YES clinics annually attract the best and brightest coaches and student-athletes who are dedicated to teaching and giving back to youth.

In 2004, the NCAA extended exclusive sponsorship rights with the Coca-Cola Company to partner with YES Clinics on behalf of its POWERade brand. NCAA YES Clinics Fueled by POWERade are conducted at approximately 20 championship sites annually. Through the NCAA Corporate Champion and Corporate Partner programs, resources for instructional equipment, T-shirts, printed materials and promotional items help to provide YES Clinics at NO cost to participants.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

1. To provide an opportunity for youth to learn and enhance their sports skills, conditioning skills and life skills from talented collegiate coaches and student-athletes.
2. To stress the importance of sportsmanship and teamwork which are vital attributes in developing productive citizens.
3. To connect with underserved children who have not been exposed to amateur sports and have them enjoy the championship experience.
4. To target more ethnic minority and female populations.
5. To encourage children ages 10-16 to participate in various sports recreationally as well as on organized teams while stressing the importance of participation rather than simply winning.
6. To focus on elements of sports such as discipline, confidence and commitment and enable these youths to apply what they learn in athletics to other areas of their lives.
7. To create an outreach opportunity in the championship community for volunteerism and service.
8. To provide clinic participants with free championship tickets to the specified championship in which the clinic is held (if available) and be a part of the championship experience.
9. To demonstrate the Association’s commitment to challenge young people to strive for higher levels of achievement in both athletics and academics.

PROGRAM FEATURES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR 2005-06

1. Over 5,000 youth participated in YES Clinic and were exposed to talented coaches and student-athletes, while learning basic fundamentals of a sport.
2. Involved coaches and student-athletes from Division I, II, and III to have YES experiences at multiple championship sites.
3. Collaboration with the following programs:
• National Youth Sports Programs (NYSP).
• NCAA Stay In Bounds Program.
• NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills Program.
• NCAA Health and Safety Initiatives.
• NCAA Agent, Gambling & Amateurism Activities.
• Citizenship Through Sports Alliance (CTSA).