Key Takeaways
- USA Ultimate and 2-4-1 Sports formalize partnership to integrate ultimate into school-based programming and camps across the country
- 2-4-1 Sports Executive Director Steve Boyle recently testified before Congress on youth sports access, affordability, and equity issues
- Partnership leverages USA Ultimate’s technical expertise and 2-4-1’s proven sport sampling model to create pathways for continued player development
- Ultimate Foundation will collaborate with 2-4-1 to develop grant opportunities focused on underserved youth and girls nationwide
- Organizations will identify pilot sites, co-host events, and create training resources combining physical literacy with ultimate instruction
USA Ultimate, the national governing body for ultimate in the United States, announced a partnership with 2-4-1 Sports on December 19 to bring the sport to thousands of young people through school-based programs and camps.
Under the agreement, 2-4-1 Sports will integrate ultimate into its existing programming, introducing new players to the sport and creating pathways for continued engagement through USA Ultimate’s youth membership and local disc organizations.
How the Partnership Works
USA Ultimate will provide technical guidance, curriculum support, and promotional visibility for 2-4-1’s ultimate programming. The national governing body is endorsing 2-4-1’s framework as a model for long-term athlete development.
2-4-1 Sports, a global nonprofit focused on making sports accessible through sport sampling programs, will use its established infrastructure in schools and community settings to introduce ultimate to participants. The organization already partners with USA Fencing and other national governing bodies.
Access and Affordability at the Forefront
Steve Boyle, Executive Director of 2-4-1 Sports, recently testified before Congress on the state of youth sports in America. “It was reaffirming to see bipartisan acknowledgment that access, affordability, and where sports live matter just as much as competition,” Boyle said.
The partnership includes collaboration with the Ultimate Foundation, USA Ultimate’s philanthropic arm, to co-develop grant opportunities aimed at expanding access for underserved youth and girls.
“We love ultimate because it is incredibly accessible,” Boyle noted. “Kids can play it almost anywhere, often with minimal equipment, and the sport naturally teaches problem solving, self regulation, and conflict resolution.”
Why Ultimate Fits the Sport Sampling Model
Ultimate requires minimal equipment and can be played in various settings, making it a practical choice for sport sampling programs that introduce children to multiple activities. The sport emphasizes inclusivity, self-officiating, and community, aligning with 2-4-1’s focus on social-emotional learning through athletics.
“This partnership embodies our mission to grow the sport of ultimate and ensure that every child has the opportunity to play,” said Kevin Erlenbach, CEO of USA Ultimate. “2-4-1’s approach to sport sampling and social-emotional learning is a natural fit for ultimate’s emphasis on inclusivity, self-officiating, and community.”
Implementation and Next Steps
The organizations will identify pilot sites for initial programming, co-host events, and create training resources that combine physical literacy, play, and ultimate instruction. The goal is to help children build lifelong healthy habits while introducing them to a sport that can continue through USA Ultimate’s existing youth development pathways.
The partnership positions ultimate alongside other sports in 2-4-1’s programming portfolio, which uses evidence-based sport sampling to help children discover activities they enjoy before specializing.
via: USA ULTIMATE
YSBR provides this content on an “as is” basis without any warranties, express or implied. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability, or use of the information, including any images, videos, or licenses associated with this article. For any concerns, including copyright issues or complaints, please contact YSBR directly.
About Youth Sports Business Report
Youth Sports Business Report is the largest and most trusted source for youth sports industry news, insights, and analysis covering the $54 billion youth sports market. Trusted by over 50,000 followers including industry executives, investors, youth sports parents and sports business professionals, we are the premier destination for comprehensive youth sports business intelligence.
Our core mission: Make Youth Sports Better. As the leading authority in youth sports business reporting, we deliver unparalleled coverage of sports business trends, youth athletics, and emerging opportunities across the youth sports ecosystem.
Our expert editorial team provides authoritative, in-depth reporting on key youth sports industry verticals including:
- Sports sponsorship and institutional capital (Private Equity, Venture Capital)
- Youth Sports events and tournament management
- NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) developments and compliance
- Youth sports coaching and sports recruitment strategies
- Sports technology and data analytics innovation
- Youth sports facilities development and management
- Sports content creation and digital media monetization
Whether you’re a sports industry executive, institutional investor, youth sports parent, coach, or sports business enthusiast, Youth Sports Business Report is your most reliable source for the actionable sports business insights you need to stay ahead of youth athletics trends and make informed decisions in the rapidly evolving youth sports landscape.
Join our growing community of 50,000+ industry leaders who depend on our trusted youth sports business analysis to drive success in the youth sports industry.
Stay connected with the pulse of the youth sports business – where industry expertise meets actionable intelligence.
Sign up for the biggest newsletter in Youth Sports – Youth Sports HQ – The best youth sports newsletter in the industry
Follow Youth Sports Business Report Founder Cameron Korab on LinkedIn
Are you a brand looking to tap into the world’s most passionate fanbase… youth sports?
Introducing Play Up Partners, a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.
About Play Up Partners
Play Up Partners is a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.
Why Sponsor Youth Sports?
Youth sports represents one of the most engaged and passionate audiences in sports marketing. With over 70 million young athletes and their families participating annually, the youth sports industry offers brands unparalleled access to motivated communities with strong purchasing power and loyalty.
What Does Play Up Partners Do?
We’ve done the heavy lifting to untangle the complex youth sports landscape so our brand partners can engage with clarity, confidence, and impact. Our vetted network of accredited youth sports organizations (from local leagues to national tournaments and operators) allows us to create flexible, scalable programs that evolve with the market.
Our Approach
Every partnership we build is rooted in authenticity and value creation. We don’t just broker deals. We craft youth sports marketing strategies that:
- Deliver measurable ROI for brand partners
- Create meaningful experiences for athletes and families
- Elevate the youth sports ecosystem
Our Vision
We’re positioning youth sports as the most desirable and effective platform in sports marketing. Our mission is simple: MAKE YOUTH SPORTS BETTER for athletes, families, organizations, and brand partners.
Common Questions About Youth Sports Marketing
Where can I sponsor youth sports? How do I activate in youth sports? What is the ROI of youth sports marketing? How much does youth sports sponsorship cost?
We have answers. Reach out to info@playuppartners.com to learn how Play Up Partners can help your brand navigate the youth sports landscape.
Youth sports organizations: Interested in partnership opportunities? Reach out to learn about our accreditation process.
