Army Partners With Urban Basketball Invitational

 COMPTON, CA  -- The U.S. Army has just announced an expanded partnership with the Major League Baseball Urban Youth Foundation (MLBUYF) in support of its diversity programs.  The Army kicks off the relationship with the Urban Youth Academy (UYA) as the presenting sponsor of the fourth annual Urban Invitational here featuring historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) competing against prominent collegiate baseball programs.

"The strength of the U.S. Army is rooted in the diversity of Army Strong Soldiers," said Colonel Derik Crotts, Director of Strategic Marketing, Communications and Outreach, U.S. Army Accessions Command.  "Our partnership with the Major League Baseball Urban Youth Foundation is another example of the Army's commitment to helping young Americans create their own paths to success.  Just as every Soldier wearing the Army uniform is vital to the success of the mission, so is each player in the Urban Invitational vital to the success of the team."

In addition, the Army will:

• be presenting sponsor of the Houston UYA first anniversary event in April
• participate in MLBUYF school in Puerto Rico highlighting core values and fitness challenges
• be presenting sponsor of MLBUYF's summer Baseball Bootcamps in Vero, Fla., focused on leadership and specific baseball athletic training
• be presenting sponsor of the July Breakthrough series focusing on the top high school juniors and seniors from across the country, to be held in Cary, N.C.

During the Urban Invitational, the Army will address UYA participants and students from Compton Junior College through a program focused on building their future through education and leadership development.  

"We want these students to understand that regardless of the path they take – a commitment to the Army, to college or to trade school – the strengths they demonstrate in school will open up options and opportunities to become the next generation of American leaders," Col. Crotts said.

About U.S. Army Accessions Command

The U.S. Army Accessions Command (USAAC), a subordinate command of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, meets the human resource needs of the Army by transforming volunteers into officers, warrant officers, and enlisted Soldiers.  In providing the force, the 18,391 men and women of Accessions Command prepare these future Soldiers and leaders for their initial military training. Commanded by Lt. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, USAAC is located at Fort Knox, Ky.