The Little League® Urban Initiative currently operates within 220 leagues in nearly 90 cities across the United States.
The Little League Urban Initiative was established in 1999 as a new component of Little League Baseball and Softball. This program provides annual opportunities to approximately 50,000 players across more than 4,000 Little League teams, and has participated in nearly 30 field renovation and development projects around the country.
The Little League Urban Initiative provides assistance packages for eligible leagues that aid the local volunteer group with equipment acquisition, capital improvement cash grants, field development and renovation, access to Little League Education and Training programs, advocacy, and networking.
Become Part of the Urban Initiative Program
If your Little League is interested in becoming part of the Urban Initiative Program, please use the link below to provide us with your league information.
Urban Initiatives Events
Below are the dates and locations for the 2023 Little League Urban Initiative Jamborees:
- April 14-16: California Baseball Jamboree (National City, Calif.)
- April 21-23: California Softball Jamboree (Richmond, Calif.)
- April 28-30: Florida State Jamboree (Clearwater, Fla.)
- May 19-21: East Region Softball Jamboree (Washington, D.C.)
- May 19-21: Texas State Jamboree (Houston, Texas)
- June 9-11: New York Metro Jamboree (Bronx, N.Y.)
- June 16-18: Central Region Jamboree (Milwaukee, Wis.)
Training and Education
The Little League Urban Initiative actively promotes recruitment and retention for local leagues through its Little League Training and Education programs. At various times throughout the year, Little League provides clinics at its five region centers and at Little League International in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The clinic topics include instruction for managers, coaches, umpires, and league administrators, with emphasis on safety, child protection, and parent orientation. Any volunteer involved with a local Urban Initiative league can attend any of the clinics at no charge and receive resource materials free or at a reduced cost.
Networking/Advocacy
Because many of the Little League Urban Initiative leagues and independent organizations operating in these environments face the same problems, networking opportunities are crucial to the growth of a volunteer-based organization. Little League encourages mentoring relationships with other Urban Initiative leagues, working toward positive relationships with the appropriate municipal agencies, developing an assessment of their program’s budgetary needs and concerns, and compiling a list of funding opportunities in their communities.