Investing in Our Future

Located in the historic 18th and Vine District, the Kansas City Royals Urban Youth Academy (UYA) opened in 2018. The UYA provides access to a safe space and empowers underserved youth to become the leaders of tomorrow through baseball, softball, academic, and social opportunities. Youth participants are surrounded and supported by coaches, mentors, and role models to help them succeed on and off the field.

In partnership with Blue KC, Shut Out the Stigma raises awareness of mental health issues and provides donations to behavioral health organizations that focus on mental health through sports and that mainly serve teens and adolescents. Our award-winning documentary, Not Good Enough, larger-than-life letter installations inspired by youth athletes continue to make an impact as we work to Shut Out the Stigma.

The Royals partnered the Sherman Family Foundation, SchoolSmartKC, QuickTrip and nine public district and charter schools in Kansas City, Missouri to create the Royals Literacy League. Literacy rates in the Kansas City region, like much of the national average, are low among third graders. It has been proven that reading at a third-grade level in third grade decreases school dropout and increases test scores, including the ACT. The Royals Literacy League is designed to build excitement and support the students and staff.

Our Bring Out the Books initiative is going to make Royals baseball more accessible while boosting children’s literacy. Before each home game, up to 100 fans can exchange a new or gently used children’s book for a View Reserved ticket to a game on that same date. Come to Gate E, hand in your book, and receive your ticket voucher!

In an effort to grow the games of baseball and softball, our Sport Development team improves the integrity of the programs in which our youth participate. Sport Development offers a wide range of programs within what is called the Royals Amateur Development System. Programs include a coaches association, seminars, practice plans, sports medicine information, umpire training, and parental guides.

The Royals Scholastic Victory Program is where baseball meets academics. The Royals Scholastic Victory Program is a year-round program that injects baseball into school subjects like math, science, grammar, and more. It is open to preschool-6th grade students.

The Crown Schools Program is designed to create the next generation of baseball and softball fans by implementing USA Baseball’s Fun at Bat curriculum in elementary schools' physical education classes.

The “C” You in the Major Leagues Foundation teams up with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City to recognize the Blue KC Coaches with Character. The program spotlights amateur coaches who, through their leadership on and off the field, are helping to grow youth sports in the Kansas City area and are making the community a better place to live, work, and play.

The Kansas City Royals and Children’s Mercy share a common goal of caring for the health and well-being of the youth in our community. We know it starts with access to sport. Through impactful programs, educational awareness, and a shared love for physical activity and baseball, Home Field Advantage will create opportunities for kids who are facing barriers in their lives a place to call home, to learn, and to grow.

The Kansas City Royals are proud to present the Royals Honors program. The program will work with area schools in Missouri and Kansas to reward and honor students in grades K-12 who have excelled in academics, attendance, service, and citizenship during the school year.

The Kansas City Royals are proud to present the Royals Honors program. The program will work with area schools in Missouri and Kansas to reward and honor students in grades K-12 who have excelled in academics, attendance, service, and citizenship during the school year.