A story about USA Ultimate’s Youth Growth Grants, funded by The Ultimate Foundation.
In the Capital Region, New York, Ultimate isn’t just a sport; it’s a powerful tool for social change. Albany Ultimate, led by dedicated volunteers like Jeff Maskalunas, is using the sport to connect communities, provide opportunities for youth, and break down barriers between neighborhoods. Their work, supported in part by a Youth Growth Grant from USA Ultimate and The Ultimate Foundation, is transforming lives at local Boys & Girls Clubs and beyond.
A Vision of Unity
Jeff Maskalunas recognized the potential of sports to bridge divides. He observed neighboring school districts, one affluent and one historically underserved, separated by just a mile but worlds apart in opportunity. “I’d like to figure out how we can drive another way of community between these two schools because there’s a lot to learn,” Jeff explained. He saw ultimate as a vehicle to foster understanding, teamwork, and shared experiences among these young people because that is what ultimate has given him.
Breaking Down Barriers, Building Bridges
Jeff’s commitment led him to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany, Troy, and Schenectady. While initial outreach proved challenging, his persistence paid off. “The best way to set something up with the Boys & Girls Clubs was to walk in the front door,” Jeff shared. “Showing up in person was much more effective than any phone call or email could be to build a strong relationship with the club.” The Clubs embraced ultimate as “an easy, structured way to introduce kids to a new sport without adding strain to their packed schedules”.
From Sport to Life Lessons
The ultimate sessions became more than just a game; they became a space for growth and connection. Jeff recalls a powerful moment of realization:
“I coached a middle school team in a privileged school district (outside of the B&Gs Club), and after winter break, I told the team I recently got engaged to my now wife Holly. I was met with blank stares and silence because it was normalized and expected in this high-performing district to go to college, get a well-paying job, and start a family… I also told some of the B&Gs Club kids about my engagement to Holly during one ultimate session. One of the kids responded, ‘Congrats! That’s a big thing. Are you all going to have kids? Babies are a ton of work. They’re crying all the time.’ This kid was in 8th grade… Kids from this B&Gs club come from a part of town where financial security and parental role models are not necessarily regular occurrences. This speaks volumes that the Boys & Girls Club is a place where these kids with adult responsibilities can just be kids for a moment in their lives, and being able to be a part of this effort along with possibly connecting and being a positive role model for these kids is very meaningful to me”.
This experience underscored the profound impact of providing a positive outlet for kids, and the power of ultimate to connect people from different backgrounds.
The Ultimate Foundation’s Role: Fueling the Movement
Support from organizations like The Ultimate Foundation and USA Ultimate has been crucial to Albany Ultimate’s success. The Youth Growth Grant, in particular, has provided essential resources for equipment, volunteer coordination, and coaches’ stipends. “I am excited about USA Ultimate’s engagement and willing to put money towards this important and impactful effort,” Jeff said. “I think that we need a movement of resources to grass roots efforts like these if we really want to grow the sport in a sustainable and equitable way.”
This funding is more than just financial assistance; it’s an investment in the lives of young people and the future of communities. It allows dedicated volunteers like Jeff to focus on impact, knowing they have the support to make a real difference.
Looking Ahead: Growth and Opportunity
Albany Ultimate’s success is creating a ripple effect. “I’ve said to the Boys & Girls Club administration that we will continue to bring ultimate as long as the kids want to play,” Jeff shared. As more kids discover ultimate, the program is expanding, with hopes to integrate into school programs and create more opportunities for youth competition. “For the Capital Region… I am excited about parlaying ultimate from the Boys & Girls Clubs into the schools as well as more organized and accessible youth competition,” said Jeff.
The story of Albany Ultimate is a testament to the power of ultimate to transform lives and communities. By supporting initiatives like this, The Ultimate Foundation is not just growing the sport of ultimate – it’s investing in a brighter future for all.
Fuel the Future of Ultimate
The Ultimate Foundation is committed to supporting initiatives like the ones in Albany, which bring ultimate frisbee to new communities and empower young people. Your contribution can help us expand these efforts and provide more opportunities for youth to experience the sport’s positive impact.
Please consider donating to The Ultimate Foundation to help fuel the future of ultimate and foster community development.