Stemming from the successful revitalization of the Howard High School baseball program and field, a group of Chattanooga residents have launched Southside Youth Development, a non-profit with the mission of extending the reach and impact of organized sports to the surrounding Southside communities -- and they’re starting with the Emma Wheeler Homes community.
The group’s first task is to recondition the community’s overgrown baseball field. Once complete, they will be launching a sandlot-style little league with weekly practices and games being hosted in the local community, within walking distance for all eight- to 12-year-olds living in the vicinity. As part of their mission to provide exposure, education and experiences, SYD plans to also take the participants out on local group outings to visit local attractions such as the zoo, aquarium, Lookouts baseball game, local hiking trails and others that the children might have never visited, even while living less than seven miles away.
Events:
- May 15 (9 a.m.-2 p.m.) - Reconditioning Baseball Field @ Emma Wheeler Homes - https://fb.me/e/cC2DjQeMz
May 22 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) - Youth Baseball Clinic & Donation Drive @ Howard High School - https://fb.me/e/2mZ3vQIKh
“One of the bigger needs to getting this kicked off is baseball gear for the 50 kids that we’re expecting will participate this year. Baseballs, bats, gloves, cleats, etc. For this reason, we’re hosting a free baseball clinic and gear drive for kids eight to 12 years old at the Howard High School baseball field on May 22 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. We hope the community will come out, bring their kids, enjoy a hot dog out on the field and also contribute to our gear drive,” saud Xavier Cotto, of Southside Youth Development.