A story about USA Ultimate’s Youth Growth Grants, funded by The Ultimate Foundation.
Photo credit: Tori Nutt @thetorisophotography
Across Colorado, Altitude Youth Ultimate is working to ensure more kids experience the joy and inclusivity of ultimate. Through Boys & Girls Club partnerships and PE class takeovers, their team is bringing the sport to communities that may not have had access otherwise.
As a local ultimate organization and a USA Ultimate Affiliate, Altitude Youth Ultimate has long been committed to growing ultimate at the grassroots level. The organization’s outreach efforts have been ongoing for years (founded formally in 2014)—long before Youth Growth Grant funding was available—but in Fall 2024, the support of USA Ultimate’s Youth Growth Grant helped take this work to the next level. The grant, funded by The Ultimate Foundation, allowed for more paid coaching, expanded programming, and the ability to bring ultimate to even more young players, accelerating efforts that were already in motion.
“We all understand that ultimate can be accessible based on the notion that it just takes a disc and some space,” Libby Cravens, Altitude’s Outreach Director, explained. “But fields have a cost, insurance has a cost, paying coaches to prevent burnout has a cost. Additional funding has allowed us to try new things without the pressure of breaking even.”
This sentiment is echoed at the national level. Dan Raabe, USA Ultimate’s Youth Director, notes, “USA Ultimate is thrilled about the opportunities these grants unlock. They empower local organizations like AYU to bring programs that were outside of their current budget constraints. It is great to see the meaningful impact these initiatives are having and to learn from the successes on the ground.”
While much of the outreach work predates the Youth Growth Grant, and many efforts will continue beyond the scope of the grant, the funding provided a critical boost to support sustainable growth.
A major key to success? Advocacy.
Photo credit: Adam Kelsey, https://aimsportscamps.com/
Bringing ultimate to new communities doesn’t just happen—it takes local leaders, coaches, and organizers advocating for opportunities, building relationships, and ensuring that kids from all backgrounds can be part of the sport.
That’s exactly what local disc organizations like Altitude Youth Ultimate do every day, leveraging community connections to create lasting impact.
“Reaching more groups in more places is tough,” Libby shared. “But paying qualified coaches for their valuable time has definitely opened up more doors for us. We’re also working to expand our ‘train the trainer’ model so that the staff we work with while we are there can teach the kids long after we are gone.”
This model of community-driven advocacy and collaboration is what makes local ultimate organizations so vital. These groups are on the ground, making real change in their communities, and with support from initiatives like the Youth Growth Grant, they can extend their reach, develop new partnerships, and ensure that ultimate is a sport for everyone.
For kids experiencing ultimate for the first time, the impact is immediate. Many struggle with their first forehand throw, but the joy of finally getting it right is unforgettable.
“They light up when they complete their first one! In general, first-time players often share that they were better at ultimate than they thought they would be.”
-Libby Cravens, Altitude Youth Ultimate Outreach Director
“I think many are surprised by how challenging throwing a forehand is for the first time,” Libby said. “But they light up when they complete their first one! In general, first-time players often share that they were better at ultimate than they thought they would be.”
Beyond just learning the game, these programs build confidence, create connections, and foster a love of movement and teamwork—things that stay with kids far beyond their first day on the field.
For anyone looking to start an outreach program in their own community, Libby has simple advice: find strong community partners and engage local ultimate players.
“Partnering with youth-serving organizations (especially those with their own space to play) is great,” she said. “I’d also recommend involving your local college or club teams whenever possible.”
At The Ultimate Foundation, we believe in supporting the advocates, coaches, and local ultimate organizations that make this work possible.
Want to help bring ultimate to more kids in more communities? Support The Ultimate Foundation today and be a part of making an impact.