Urban Initiative

A component of Little League® Baseball and Softball, the Little League Urban Initiative began in 1999 with programs in Los Angeles and Harlem, New York and expanded to other cities in 2000.

The Little League® Urban Initiative is now operating with more than 200 leagues in nearly 85 cities in the United States.

Through the 2020 Little League season, the Little League Urban Initiative has stimulated the participation of 4,000 teams, which equals out to approximately 52,000 players, and has participated in nearly thirty field renovation/development projects.

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The Little League Urban Initiative program 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 Baseball and Softball Education and Training programs, advocacy, and networking.

Urban Initiative Events

As we continue to navigate the coronavirus pandemic, we wanted to contact you all directly to inform you that, Little League International, in an extreme abundance of caution for all our volunteers and participants, has decided to cancel all Little League Urban Initiative Jamboree events for the 2021 season.

We know how meaningful this experience is to all participants, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and disappointment. Based on the guidance we’ve been provided, Little League International believes this is the best decision at this time. We thank you for understanding.

As we continue to look at future opportunities, Little League International will do our best to find new ways to support our Little League Urban Initiative leagues.

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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.

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Training and Education

For the past fifteen years the Little League Urban Initiative has promoted recruitment and retention for local leagues through Little League Training and Education programs. At various times throughout the year, Little League provides a variety of clinics at its five regional centers and at Little League International in Williamsport. 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.