About Us

If you take a few minutes to consider this question, you will probably identify life lessons that lie at the foundations of many of your most important characteristics.

Premier Athletics for Youth Development is the next generation of youth sports programming and family support services for inner city and surrounding area youth. Our innovative programs incorporate sports with a commitment to progressive youth development in the mission and philosophy of our organization. We transcend traditional youth sports programs by focusing on a broader range of developmental needs.

Our organization is actively implementing refreshing, creative new concepts in youth development that will change the way current youth sports programs are managed and perceived by today’s society. Our goal is to establish an understanding of the commitment necessary by the parents and the athletes in order to enhance success, both on and off the field.

Our History

Kalamazoo area youth are currently being plagued by escalating youth violence, exposure to dangerous substances on playgrounds and schools, high rates of teen pregnancies, academic performances too substandard to take advantage of the Kalamazoo Promise, and the pressures from parents’ high rates of unemployment, as major influences on every aspect of their growing years.

Kalamazoo area families currently have to contend with social and economic challenges unknown to previous generations. Continuing economic uncertainty compounds the difficulties and challenges our families face.  The percentage of children living in poverty continues to rise throughout our city. All of these issues support the need for integrated planning for youth development and activities.

Given these negative social indicators, a growing segment of our youth are finding them ill equipped to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving community. Empowered with practical life skills, young people can take responsibility for themselves.

The need for Youth Development in this area is clearly defined. Juvenile substance abuse related arrests, child abuse rates, percentage of students using alcohol or illegal drugs and teen pregnancy rates are all RED flag issues that need immediate attention.

Premier Athletics for Youth Development was founded on June 16, 2016 to address these issues. Premier Athletics for Youth Development provides a wide range of innovative programming that is designed to enhance you and your family members’ ability to achieve and maintain positive family and social relationships, healthy and active lifestyles, a sense of purpose, confidence, and the ability to contribute to society.