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Going Yard Baseball Academy is an exciting opportunity for the baseball and softball youth living in the Screven, Bulloch, Burke, and Jenkins County areas. My idea stems from the fact that many of our kids are driving to Augusta or Savannah, which is over 65 miles, for quality baseball or softball instruction. There should be more opportunities a little closer to home for local kids. My goal is for every child ages 10 and up get good quality instruction to better themselves and better their teams.

The Screven County Board of Education has provided the old middle school gym for Going Yard. This provision will allow students who participate in school sponsored athletics some off season training.

Going Yard realizes that in Screven County alone, 78% of the students(grades pre-k through 12) are economically disadvantaged. In the middle and high schools there are 25% of the students participating in one or more of the athletic opportunities. These statistics are astounding and at Going Yard we would like to see the participation in baseball and softball increase, and at an affordable rate. We offer scholarships for students through the Screven Collaborative and from the coaching clinics.

Through research we realized that academic achievement is higher for students who are involved in athletic programs than those not involved. Not only does achievement improve, but negative behaviors are lower for participants in comparison to those who are not involved. Boys and girls who participate in such programs become "more reliable" employees. There is no doubt that extracurricular activities provide students with an additional medium for learning and development.

Going Yard promotes TEAM Work and Self Discipline. When kids better themselves, they also better their team, their selves, and their community, and that is where having fun and winning come in to play.

Hitting Infield & Outfield Pitchers/Catchers TEAM References