Table Of Contents
About the Urban Initiative
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The AAU Urban Initiative was created in 2015 to provide a holistic approach to athletics. Provides participation opportunities to urban environments that were historically under served.
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The initiative partners the AAU with local government, law enforcement, faith-based groups, business community, educational institutions, and other groups who work together to bring together communities through sports in service to America’s youth.
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Besides the physical benefits, AAU Urban Initiative provides a sense of community, achievement, and pride. Through mentoring, the program teaches life skills, character development, and harmony.
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Ultimately, the AAU Urban Initiative seeks to partner with organizations and institutions, offering all participants the opportunity to develop to their highest ability, through a national and local network of sporting events and activities.
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Through participation in the AAU Urban Initiative, we as volunteers, model and teach our most precious resource, the youth of our nation, invaluable life skills, moral development, and good citizenship.
Why is the program so important?
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Brings youth together – all participants are given equal opportunities to become productive human beings. Offers positive activities for youth, who historically have not had opportunities to participate in activities because of limited resources, is vital for our countries future.
How to get involved?
For more information on this program, please contact the following:
Joe Armenio, Program Coordinator - Email
Rev. Leander Hardaway, Faith Based Liaison - Email
Jennifer Miles, Director of Combat Sports & Special Events - Email
History Of The Urban Initiative
Benefits of the Program
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Provides a holistic, intergenerational response to the uniquely urban issues confronting young people; of the inner city.
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Advocates the necessity for and importance of quality healthcare; which works in conjunction with strong school/community driven physical fitness & health wellness programs.
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Creates Multidimensional sports programming, which works in symbiosis with a strong emphasis on academic excellence designed to structure and present a learnable, teachable process of performance.
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Fosters appreciation for the transferability of academic/athletic skills in the eventual work place.
Current Programming
Albany County (Past)
The first program launched under the AAU Urban Initiative, Albany County offers year round programming ensuring that youth and families are engaged in an array of activities to help build America’s future one athlete at a time.
NYPD Programs
Provides opportunities for youth athletes that normally do not have access to sports. The program works in conjunction with the New York Police Department to encourage teamwork, positive life styles, and academic achievment.
Pullman Center
In the historic Pullman neighborhood of Chicago’s South Side, the partnership between AAU and PCC brings AAU programming such as leagues, clinics, tournament, and year round athletic activities helping with the revitalization of the area.
Starlings
Provides opportunities for girls from lower socioeconomic environments to train and compete while encouraging teamwork, health, positive life skills and academic achievement
