Youth Sports Alliance

08/22/2026

Every child deserves a team in their corner!

We’re thrilled to share the latest episode of KPCW Radio “The Community Campfire”, featuring our very own Programs Director, Heather Sims!

In this episode, Heather sits down with host Andrea Buchanan to talk about YSA’s mission to level the slopes and fields for all local youth—from expanding after-school activities to providing scholarship pathways so every kid has access to sports, physical literacy, and winter activities.

Tune in to hear how play builds confidence, community, and lifelong healthy habits!

🎧 Listen to the full episode here:

For Heather Sims, sports have never been just about competition—they are a launchpad for confidence, connection, and character. As Programs Director at the Youth Sports Alliance (YSA), Heather channels a lifelong passion for athletics into meaningful action, breaking down barriers so every young p...

08/07/2026

Afterschool adventures are calling! 🎉 Registration for YSA’s afterschool programs is OPEN for schools across northern Utah. Scholarships available!

From triathlon and mountain biking to sailing, Woodward, basketball, and so much more, our programs give students the opportunity to try new sports, learn new skills, and have a whole lot of fun along the way.

Spots are limited, so register today! Go to www.ysausa.org for more information!

08/05/2026

Making waves! 🌊 Some Wasatch Back students spent yesterday morning on the Jordanelle Reservoir learning kayaking skills through our ACTiV8 program with instructors from Wasatch Whitewater. From outfitting their boats and mastering paddle strokes to practicing boat control, bracing techniques, wet exits, and rescues, they built confidence on the water while discovering that adventure comes in many forms.

At YSA, we’re proud to introduce students to new sports, new skills, and new possibilities. 🚣 Wasatch Whitewater Jordanelle State Park

07/31/2026

Hello, Salt Lake City! 👋

After successfully launching YSA afterschool programs on the Wasatch Front last fall, we were excited to spend the evening connecting with more members of the community and introducing them to a few incredible examples of what’s possible through sport.

✨ Sheccid Mejia Villanueva is a Get Out & Play alum and a YSA Board member who attended University of Utah on a full ride. She is now taking a postbaccalaureate program to prepare for medical school.

🎿 Maddie Kaiserman, also a Get Out & Play alum, received support from the Stein Eriksen YSA Opportunity Endowment while training with Park City Ski & Snowboard. She is studying at the Univeristy of Utah where she competes in alpine racing.

🥉🥈 Casey Dawson, another Get Out & Play alum, has represented Team USA in two Olympic Winter Games, earning a bronze medal in Beijing and a silver medal in Milano-Cortina. He also received funding from the Stein Eriksen YSA Endowment during the final run up to the Beijing Olympics. He also studies at the University of Utah.

These alumni are a powerful reminder that when young people have access to opportunity, the possibilities are endless. Thank you, Salt Lake City, for the warm welcome—we’re excited to continue growing together!

Thank you to Kate Johnson, YSA Board member and silver medalist in women’s rowing eights at the 2004 Olympics, for moderating the panelSheccid Mejia Villanuevasmadz ❤️‍🔥 DawsonaKate JohnsoneEdison Housecaseydawson11

07/16/2026

Last night, the YSA team enjoyed celebrating the Women’s Giving Fund High Impact Grant Award finalists. While we weren’t a finalist this year, we’re grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the incredible work being done by fellow nonprofits in our community.

Congratulations to this year’s finalists and thank you to the Park City Community Foundation’s Women’s Giving Fund for bringing members of our community and organizations together to celebrate the impact we’re all making across our community. 💙 Park City Community Foundation

07/14/2026

We are excited that YSA Ambassador, Lauren Macuga, is back on skis and training for the upcoming season! Go Lauren! Park City is cheering for you.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1972pL5QAg/?mibextid=wwXIfr

“I’m planning on racing Beaver Creek,” the 24 year old said.

07/07/2026

Congratulations to our Executive Director, Emily Fisher, and Programs Director, Heather Sims, who were honored with the Department of Defense, Employee Support of the National Guard & Reserves Patriot Award after being nominated by Youth Sports Alliance team member and Guard spouse, Camille Thompson.

The Patriot Award recognizes supervisors who go above and beyond to support employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve or their spouses through flexibility, understanding, and support.

As our nation marks its 250th birthday, we’re especially proud to see Emily and Heather recognized for helping to create a workplace where those who serve our country and their families know they have a team behind them. 🇺🇸 TownLift KPCW Radio Park Record

06/27/2026

Thanks Woodward for such a fun afternoon benefiting the Youth Sports Alliance and the Wils Foundation ! We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with you throughout the school year — whether at local schools or at Woodward Park City! 🛹 ⛷️🏂🛷🚴‍♀️ Woodward Park City

06/26/2026

Ready to ride! Today, YSA partnered with Deer Valley to get some Wasatch Back teens out on the lifts and trails learning new mountain biking skills with some of the best instructors around.

We don’t run a full slate of summer programs, but for the past few years we’ve included a few half day clinics like fly fishing and lift served mountain biking in June and August. This year, we are also offering intro clinics for Stand-Up Paddleboarding and kayaking taught by Wasatch Whitewater at the Jordanelle. Head over to www.ysausa.org for info. Deer Valley Resort

06/26/2026

Today is Play Forever Friday at Woodward Park City benefiting the Youth Sports Alliance and the Wils Foundation.

Here are the details: Lift tickets and indoor access tickets are each $15,with 10% of ticket sales supporting YSA and the Wils Foundation.

Bike Park access: all day
Indoor access: starts at 4:00 PM
YSA will be onsite from 2:00–4:00 PM

Come ride, stop by, and support local kids getting active! Thanks Woodward! Woodward Park City Jen