Young Athletes Foundation (YAF)

The mission of the Young Athletes Foundation (YAF) is to assist in the promotion, development, and growth of youth athletics and activities that encourage physical fitness, mental, and emotional well-being.Since its inception in 1990, the YAF has donated more than $1.8 million in the form of grants, scholarships, athletic shoes, and kids' programming.

That money has gone to individuals and teams as well as athletic, recreational, and nonprofit organizations in our five-county region in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. 

Now more than ever, we have lots to do and less money to do it with. So, we're here asking for your help. Help us continue our powerful and vital work within our community, help us continue our support of area nonprofits, and help us continue to empower, engage, and develop the minds and bodies of our region's children.

Each donation, big or small, will have a direct and lasting impact on our area's kids by helping our organization continue our mission of providing opportunities and pathways to healthier and more active lifestyles.

Don't wait for someone else to do it. The gift you make today can and will change a young life forever.

Our community. Our kids. Our future.

ORGANIZATIONAL GRANTS

We've awarded nearly $625,000 in lifetime grants to nearly 400 youth athletic, recreational, and nonprofit organizations, helping with everything from equipment needs to registration costs.

VIDEO TESTIMONIALS: Jungle Boy Boxing Gym | Duluth Lacrosse | Pike Lake Junior Golf

The grant program is available to any qualifying organization based in Carlton, Cook, Douglas, Lake, or St. Louis Counties that strive to provide children with opportunities to participate in recreational and athletic activities.

RUNNING SHOE PROGRAM

Nearly 6,000 high school athletes from 30+ area schools have received a free running shoe certficate from the YAF, totaling nearly $400,000 in all-time donations. 

SHARE YOUR STORY: Past YAF Committee chairperson Alissa Boyhtari (pictured right), who herself was a beneficiary of this program, wrote about the positive influence a new pair of shoes had during her high school running career.

This program, which relies on the support of the YAF's local running store partners - Duluth Running Company, Tortoise & Hare Footwear, and Austin Jarrow - is now offered annually to every high school within our five-county region that has a varsity cross country and/or track and field team.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The Eleanor Rynda Scholarship Program, since 2007, grants $1,500 each year to one male and one female cross country runner at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD). The scholarship program has contributed more than $40,000 to selected UMD student-athletes, helping them pursue excellence in both school and sport. 

The Steve and Carolyn Mather Scholarship Program, created in 2024, grants $1,000 to two high school senior track and field and cross country athletes who plan to continue their careers at the collegiate level.

KIDS' PROGRAMMING

A central pillar of the Young Athletes Foundation (YAF) is providing free and accessible programming for our area’s kids throughout the year. These events are focused on providing children with opportunities to experience running in a fun and supportive atmosphere while also building on our mission of providing pathways to a healthier and more active lifestyle.

This year, more than 3,500 families and their children were able to participate in one or several of the following events, which are all FREE and open to any children ages 14 and under.

Wednesday Night at the Races | Saturday Morning at the Races | Fit-N-Fun Run | Winter Challenge