​“Our family enjoys Kadence's participation in young athletes Cleveland. It's an environment where she can be physically active without judgement of her abilities. The laid back atmosphere is great. She gets to try different sports and activities, which is great for determining her strengths and what she loves most. We enjoy the interactions with other parents and children, and have built friendships through our time participating in Young Athletes Cleveland.”
— Kacy Miser Wright (daughter Kadence)

​“My 6-year-old grandson is on the autism spectrum. He calls YAC "sports.” When he first started the program he was very shy and resistant to going and participating. Now he gets excited each week when I tell him we are going to Young Athletes. I believe he has formed bonds with a few of the adult volunteers by his reaction when their names are mentioned. In the sessions, Brandon tends to run and run and doesn’t seem to want to be involved; however, by the things he does or says during the week, we know he is taking everything in -- in his own way. YAC has become a very important part of his life and has improved his socialization with others tremendously. Where in the beginning I had to hold his hand and take him into the room (and I also had to stay in the room), he now runs and can’t get there fast enough, and I actually get to sit outside of the room and talk to the other adults and enjoy.”
— Deborah Dobray (grandson Brandon)

​“Young Athletes helped Brock to be able to socialize with all peers of all ages to learn how to socialize appropriately and to come out of his shell. Brock was really sick at that time and this helped increase his strength to handle the surgeries that laid before him.  This was huge for myself as a parent to get in touch with more families that were in similar situations. The support was huge. Being with Young Athletes has opened a lot of doors for Brock and his future that I was never aware existed. Truthfully we really miss all of you but glad to see that Brock is way stronger than he has ever been but started with Young Athletes and that I am forever grateful.” 
— Alisa Svenson (son Brock)

​“Young Athletes has given my son an opportunity to participate with his peers. We joined when Beau was 3 and still crawling. YA is fun! Although he did not participate much at first, I believe it gave him the motivation. Now he's 5 and wanting to run. Looking forward to being a part of your amazing team, that do so well to include, encourage and support.”
— ​Staci Brown (son Beau) 

​“Young Athletes was our daughter’s first experience with playing sports - she loved the program! She was provided the opportunity to learn about sports in  a setting where she could still just be herself without any pressure! Great program! We met lots of awesome people too!”
— Jill Lisy Urich (daughter Maci)

​“I enjoy working with young athletes because  they are very fun kids. I enjoy working with them as they are like me, we both have some kind of disability and I am able to connect with them easy. I really enjoy playing games and talking with them during our sessions.”
— Lena Meerman (​Special Olympic Volunteer)

Volunteers are the backbone of Young Athletes Cleveland. If you have an interest in volunteering your time, please contact us.

CONTACT US TO VOLUNTEER