KANSAS CITY, MO — The Kansas City Royals Urban Youth Academy (UYA) has completed the installation of two new AstroTurf® fields, marking the first phase of a four-field buildout planned for this year. The project advances the UYA’s mission to expand access to baseball and softball, provide consistent playing opportunities, and strengthen player development pathways for youth across the Kansas City community.
The Urban Youth Academy is a purpose-driven community hub designed to grow the game by removing barriers to participation. Through free or low-cost programming, coaching, clinics, leagues, and player development opportunities, the academy provides young athletes a place to learn, compete, and build confidence in a structured environment. Just as importantly, it serves as a gathering point for families and community partners, helping keep baseball and softball accessible while reinforcing the Royals long-term commitment to impact across Kansas City.
These two new fields also represent the start of a new relationship between AstroTurf® and The Kansas City Royals, with AstroTurf named the Official Synthetic Turf Supplier of the organization and Mid-America Sports Construction serving as the Official Field Builder. Together, the partnership is designed to support The Royals long-term vision for community impact, high-quality training environments, and durable field infrastructure capable of sustaining heavy year-round use.
“This partnership is an investment in young people, and the role baseball and softball play in building confidence, purpose, and a sense of belonging from the moment they step into the facility.”
— Donease Smith, Executive Director, Kansas City Royals Urban Youth Academy
Built for consistent play and high-volume scheduling, the newly installed AstroTurf surfaces will help the UYA reduce weather-related disruptions, expand practice, and game availability, and maintain a dependable environment for instruction, clinics, and league programming. With two additional fields planned for installation later this year, the UYA will continue expanding capacity to meet growing participation and program demand.
The investment also reflects a broader momentum in baseball development and community programming across Major League Baseball. As AstroTurf’s partnership with MLB continues to grow, projects like this one at the Urban Youth Academy demonstrate how professional organizations are investing in facilities that serve both performance and purpose, creating spaces where young athletes can develop skills, build confidence, and access opportunity.
“With these two fields complete and additional phases ahead, this partnership reflects what we value most: building durable, high-performance surfaces that support the game at every level and help more athletes pursue their goals.” said AstroTurf Director fo Basbeall, Aaron Klotz
With the first two fields now open and the next phases underway, The UYA continues to expand its footprint as a community hub for baseball and softball. The collaboration between The Royals, AstroTurf, and Mid-America Sports Construction reinforces a shared commitment to long-term impact, supporting the future of the sport by giving more kids a place to play, train, and dream.
