KidzFirst
The KidzFirst Youth Development Network is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging regional youth from diverse socio-economic backgrounds in sports, recreation and enrichment programs that promote their social, emotional, physical and academic development.
At KidzFirst, we believe that investing in children and youth is one of the most effective ways to ensure a healthy and prosperous future for them and their communities.
In the news…..
KidzFirst and the NYS Laborers were honored to donate over 50 winter coats along with hats and gloves to students at Troy Elementary School 14. A HUGE THANK YOU to the NYS Laborers Senior Advisor of Market Share Development, Joseph Mirabile and Senior Projects Field Representative, Glenn Marek, for your continued support.
The KidzFirst Girls High School Flag Football League is up and running. Teams from 8 Section 2 High Schools are competing every Sunday and are focusing on improving entering the 2026 season.
❊ KidzFirst Youth Development
Developing. Nurturing. Creating.
Providing After School Programming for 4 School Districts
KidzFirst Youth Development is currently serving the Albany, Troy, Schenectady and Rensselaer City School Districts providing after school programming. KidzFirst offers schools 11 different sports options along with Gang, Drug Prevention and Character Development programming.
Pioneers in the Creation of Section 2 Girl’s High School Flag Football
KidzFirst Youth Development were pioneers in bring Girl’s High School Flag Football to Section 2. Troy High School was the first Section 2 school to field a Girls Flag Football team and we are proud to see the explosion of interest from the rest of Section 2. Girls High School Flag Football is here to stay!!
High School Trade Unions Recruitment Program
KidzFirst takes pride in starting a first of its kind High School Recruitment program with the New York State Trade Unions. Representatives from the NYS Labor Unions hold informational sessions at area high school educating students on careers involving the many Trade Unions. Troy High School, CBA, Shenendehowa, Albany Leadership Academy and Albany High School have all participated in this amazing program.
❊ Testimonials
Loved by Schools, Trusted by Parents.
Seriously! But don’t take our word for it, here are some things people have to say about us.
“John, Frank and their entire team at KidzFirst run a high quality, engaging and effective programming in our district. They are great people and a pleasure to work with. We are very happy and thankful to have them as a partner and in just a short time the impact we are seeing them make on our students is truly amazing!!”
— Brennan Vendetti, Supervisor of District Partnerships & Youth Activities, Schenectady City School District
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"Partnering with Kidz1st has been a game-changer for the Troy City School District. By bringing high-quality after-school sports programs directly to our elementary and middle schools, they provide our youngest learners with foundational opportunities to build confidence and teamwork. This impact extends through high school, where their partnership was instrumental in launching our Girls Flag Football program—distinguishing Troy as the first team in Section 2. Beyond the field, their High School Recruitment program with the New York State Trade Unions offers our students a direct path to stable, high-paying careers in the trades. Kidz1st has been a true partner in our mission to ensure our students are prepared for success long after graduation. We are proud to see the positive impact this partnership has on our students every day and we look forward to continuing to work with Kidz 1st in the years ahead."
— John Carmello, Superintendent, Troy City School District
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“Great instructors, super friendly atmosphere created for my son. He was very shy at first, but has really become excited about his karate class. Thank you KidzFirst.”
— Caroline T., Parent
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Developing. Nuturing. Creating.
