Our Mission

At Ohio AYF & AYC, our mission is to empower young athletes and their families by fostering an environment that promotes athletic excellence, leadership development, teamwork, and personal growth. We believe that sports are more than just games — they are powerful tools for shaping character, building discipline, and cultivating a lifelong sense of purpose.

Through structured competition, skill development, and community engagement, we aim to provide every participant with opportunities to challenge themselves, achieve their goals, and discover their full potential. Our program emphasizes not only physical fitness but also academic success, positive mentorship, and emotional resilience. We are dedicated to nurturing young leaders who will carry these lessons beyond the field and into every aspect of their lives.

Our long-term vision is to create a lasting positive impact on athletes, their families, and the broader community. By investing in today’s youth, we hope to develop tomorrow’s role models and leaders. We strive to build a legacy that extends far beyond the scoreboard — one that shapes confident, responsible individuals prepared to excel in any arena. At Ohio AYF & AYC, our mission is rooted in inspiring a culture of excellence that benefits both present and future generations.

Our team

DOMINIC JONES

State of Ohio AYF Director

Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Dominic Jones has dedicated the past 15 years to transforming the lives of young people through holistic workshops and athletic programs. As Co-Founder of Legacy Youth Academy, Dominic’s mission is to inspire and empower youth by fostering personal growth, leadership, and resilience. His passion for community service is evident in his extensive philanthropy work and his tireless advocacy for youth violence prevention. Dominic’s unwavering commitment to creating positive opportunities continues to leave a lasting impact on countless families across Central Ohio.

COLLEGE ATTENED:

University of Minnesota

Otterbein University

youth program experience:

Has 13 years of experience working with youth.

Dr. Lynn Fader

State of Ohio AYF Program Director

Dr. Lynn Fader, born and raised in Canton, Ohio — the heart of football tradition — brings unmatched passion and expertise to youth sports as Program Director. With extensive experience in leadership, program development, and mentorship, Dr. Fader has dedicated her career to creating dynamic opportunities for young athletes. Her deep understanding of sports management and player development has helped shape positive environments that foster teamwork, discipline, and personal growth. Driven by a love for football and a commitment to youth success, Dr. Fader’s leadership continues to elevate the impact of youth sports programs in meaningful ways.

College attended:

The Ohio State University

Cleveland State University

Youth program experience:

Has 17 years of experience working with youth

AMY SHUMAKER

State of Ohio AYF Compliance Director

Amy Shumaker, born and raised in Dublin, Ohio, joins AYF as the Director of Compliance, bringing a wealth of experience in youth sports management. With a passion for helping athletes achieve their dreams, Amy has developed and implemented policies that ensure smooth operations while fostering positive environments for young athletes to thrive. Her love for soccer and making music fuels her creative approach to leadership and mentorship. Beyond her professional expertise, Amy’s enthusiasm for travel and exploring new cultures continues to inspire her mission to empower the next generation of athletes.

College attended:

Duke University

Youth program experience:

Has 6 years of experience working with youth

Lori robinson

State of Ohio AYF Certification Director

Lori Robinson, a Columbus, Ohio native, serves as the State Certification Director for AYF, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to youth sports. Since joining AYF in 2021, Lori has played a pivotal role in ensuring compliance and maintaining high standards across programs, helping to create safe and structured environments for young athletes to thrive. With a deep passion for empowering youth, Lori combines her organizational expertise with her commitment to fostering personal growth and sportsmanship. Her leadership continues to positively impact athletes, families, and the broader AYF community.

College attended:

Youth program experience:

Has 20+ years of experience working with youth

Shaq alexander

State of Ohio AYF Treasure

Shaq Alexander, a Columbus, Ohio native, serves as the State of Ohio Treasurer for AYF, bringing a strong background in financial management and a deep passion for youth development. Since joining AYF in 2021, Shaq has played a crucial role in ensuring fiscal responsibility and financial stability for the organization. With 15 years of experience at Chase Bank, she brings expertise in budgeting, financial planning, and organizational oversight, helping to support the long-term success of AYF programs. Her dedication to youth sports and community impact continues to make a lasting difference for athletes and families across Ohio.

College attended:

Columbus State Community College

Youth program experience:

Has 6 years of experience working with youth