GURLS is a no cost leadership program for ultimate athletes in high school. During each year in high school, participants attend classroom sessions to develop their leadership skills and complete service projects, which focus on better serving and supporting the unique needs of everyone who plays ultimate.
Structure of Our Program
Classroom Sessions Participants will commit to a six-week training course (September - November) aimed at increasing their leadership, coaching, and project management skills. Every year in the program builds on skills learned in the previous one(s), giving each participant the tools and resources needed for them to pursue strong leadership roles in their professional, academic, and ultimate careers. Service Projects At the end of each six session training course, participants will design and complete service projects that embrace our values of Generosity, Unity, Resilience, and Leadership, as well contribute to the development and expansion of Ultimate in the Bay Area. All service projects will be open source, available for anyone to use to support and expand ultimate playing opportunities.
You can find all of our past service projects created by GURLS participants here.
"GURLS was a great place for me to learn about being a leader in ultimate, to meet others, and have discussions on how to change the sport for the future.”
Classroom Session Themes
1st GURLS Year: Inspire This year focuses around the theme: Inspire. Participants will learn that everyone has a unique leadership style and there are many different types of leadership roles one can be: a captain, coach, organizer, mediator, and project manager.
2nd GURLS Year: Build This year focuses around the theme: Build. Participants will learn important soft skills to understand how they can be effective and powerful leaders.
3rd GURLS Year: Connect This year focuses around the theme: Connect. Participants will learn about intersectionality and how to build their network and connect with others to support our larger mission. Participants will work with selected community members to create an equity workshop, open and free to the public. 4th GURLS Year: Mentor This year focuses around the theme: Mentor. Participants will work with a brand new GURLS cohort who are working through the 1st GURLS Year curriculum.
"She owes her confidence and strength to the support and coaching of the GURLS Program.” - GURLS Parent
