The City of Birmingham’s newest initiative is building champions on and off the field through the Birmingham Youth Sports League (BYSL), a program designed to support young people through athletic training, mentorship, and academic support. The league kicked off this summer with football and cheerleading, but the plan is to incorporate other sports, such as basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer, soon.
“This is a chance for Birmingham to support and enhance the youth sports experience across our city,” Mayor Randall L. Woodfin explains. “We’re not just building athletes, we’re building character, community, and opportunity.” The BYSL project is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to revitalize city-run youth engagement programs that encourage students to live by the CEETA standard: character, excellence, equity, teamwork, and accountability. While the league focuses on athletic training, it also teaches participants important life skills and conflict resolution strategies, as well as provides hands-on academic support. The governing team is a combined effort between the Mayor’s Office, Birmingham Park and Recreation, and the Department of Youth Services.
For more information or to get involved, visit birminghamal.gov/youthsports.
