Southside Youth Development

06/17/2026

🍽️ Can you help feed a team this summer?

We're looking for people willing to provide a meal to our players on game days this summer. We have 10 dates to choose from!

This is a very practical way to serve our youth that makes a huge difference!

If you'd like to help, take a look at the Meal Train and sign up for a date that works for you.

Thank you for helping us care for our kids this season. ❤️⚾

Southside Youth Development uses the game of baseball to invest in and develop young people in Chattanooga's Southside. This season, we're serving approximately 50 players on four teams (two 11U teams, a 14U team, and a 16U team), and many of our game days are long ones. We're organizing this Meal T...

06/15/2026

☀️ Two weeks into the SYD Summer and we're off to a great start! ⚾️

• 50 boys on 4 SYD baseball teams — our biggest summer yet!
• Emma Wheeler Field officially has a welcome sign!
• Jeremih Joyner, a 5-year SYD member, hit his first-ever home run with our 16U team, a moment he'll never forget!
• More than 100 youth joined us for Play Ball Weekend at Erlanger Park.

Thank you to all of our families, volunteers, and supporters who make moments like these possible.

Want to catch a game? Check out our summer schedule below! ⚾

https://docs.google.com/document/d/18cDOCr8ACoPGHdLqze3WNFBOZB5OmePiKAXgEuItFnA/edit?usp=sharing

06/08/2026

06/08/2026

We had an awesome time hosting the PLAYBALL clinic for more than 100 youth on Saturday at Erlanger Park! Thank you to the Chattanooga Lookouts for allowing us to be a part of this great event for the community!

05/12/2026

⚾️ SIGN UP FOR FREE SUMMER BASEBALL! ⚾️
If you have a 9–12 year old who wants to participate in our Summer Baseball Program, we have a LIMITED number of spots remaining!

This is more than just baseball — it’s an opportunity for kids to build confidence, learn teamwork, stay active, and make memories this summer!
✅ Equipment Included
✅ Team Jerseys Provided
✅ Practices & Games
✅ Fun Experience Trips & Activities
✅ Positive Coaches & Mentors

At Southside Youth Development, we’re committed to giving every child the chance to grow on and off the field in a safe, encouraging environment.

Spots are filling FAST, so don’t wait! Fill out the link below for an unforgettable summer! ⚾️🔥
https://forms.gle/UDKPJBoWuMUSaXx27

05/06/2026

The Southside Sharks win!!🦈🔥

We kept the undefeated streak alive tonight at Emma Wheeler Homes, and the energy was off the charts—we actually had so many supporters show up that the hot dog truck sold out! 🌭🚫

The highlight of the night? Aiden taking home the game ball for his first-ever home run! ⚾️💨

This kid has Southside in his DNA. After years of watching through the fence begging to play when he was too young, he’s now in his second year with SYD and proving that patience and hard work pay off. Tonight wasn't just about the scoreboard, it was a beautiful display of community and the power of showing up for our youth!

05/04/2026

SYD Intern Spotlight ⚾️

We’re proud to highlight Eli Early, a 2024 graduate of Howard High School Baseball, Eli has spent the past two seasons growing as an intern with Southside Youth Development.

Through SYD, Eli has been building professional and financial literacy skills through our internship program and leadership classes—while developing as a coach and mentor to the next generation.

Now studying Music Education and performing in the marching band at Simmons College of Kentucky, Eli shared about why he enjoys working with SYD:

"There are many different reasons that I love coaching, but the main one is the opportunity to teach young people—especially kids who remind me of myself. Coaching gives me the chance to teach more than just baseball; it allows me to share lessons about life as well. At the end of the day, the reason I love coaching is because I can help these kids avoid some of the same mistakes I made and guide them toward a better path.”

This is what SYD is all about. We are proud of the young man Eli is becoming!

04/15/2026

A few shots from our Opening Day at Frost Stadium!

The Southside Sharks 🦈 battled to a 6–6 tie with the Angels in a nail-biter to kick off the season.
The day was full of teamwork, energy, and moments that challenged the kids to battle through adversity.

One of our players even had the honor of catching the first pitch from former Chattanooga Stars Negro League player David Crutcher.

A great day learning about the history of baseball, building confidence, and making memories that will last⚾️

02/05/2026

🚨 Still Hiring – Applications Close Feb 20 🚨

SYD is still accepting applications for our
Program & Operations Coordinator — our second full-time role!

This is a hands-on, field-based role for someone who loves working with youth, believes in the power of baseball as a tool for mentorship and character development, and wants to serve under-resourced communities with purpose and excellence. From coaching and relationship-building to real-world logistics and program leadership, this role is designed to grow as SYD grows. If you’re mission-driven, dependable, and excited to make a real impact – we’d love to hear from you. ⚾❤️
HOW TO APPLY:
Follow this link for full job details: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10gb_7OmBvFmzRdPZgCOerXitgpi2pdvt/view?usp=sharing

or scan QR code on the picture. You can also find us on LinkedIn.
📅 Applications accepted through February 20, 2026