Large Youth Leadership & Development Inc.
Empowering young people through structure, mentorship, and
the belief that greatness is earned — one rep at a time.
"We don't just develop athletes — we develop people."
— Jaylen Funches, Founder
Who We Are
LARGE Youth Leadership & Development Inc. is a Cleveland-based nonprofit organization founded on the belief that every young person deserves access to structured mentorship, real accountability, and the tools to become leaders in their own lives.
We combine athletics, life skills development, and community engagement to meet young people where they are — and take them somewhere greater. LARGE isn't just a program. It's a standard.
Teaching youth to lead themselves before they lead others.
Building the discipline to follow through when it's hard.
Turning obstacles into the foundation of strength.
Continuous improvement — in skill, mindset, and character.
Setting the standard — and holding each other to it every single day.
The Standard
At LARGE, excellence is the baseline — not the ceiling. We believe that when you hold young people to a high standard with the right support behind it, they don't just meet it. They exceed it.
Every program, every session, every interaction is designed to reinforce one truth: you are capable of more than you think — and we will prove it together.
Technique, film study, and preparation — because championships start before the whistle blows.
Academic accountability matters. We reinforce that athletic excellence and academic excellence go hand in hand.
How you carry yourself outside the game defines your legacy. We build young people who represent Cleveland with pride.
What We Do
Every program at LARGE is intentionally designed to develop character alongside skill. We meet youth where they are and build toward where they're capable of going.
Skill-based athletic training across football, basketball, and team sports — with a focus on technique, film study, and the mental side of competition.
Sports · TrainingStructured workshops and mentoring sessions that teach goal-setting, communication, financial literacy, and personal accountability.
Mentorship · EducationConnecting youth to Cleveland — through service projects, community events, and building pride in the neighborhoods that raised them.
Community · ServiceJoin the Movement
Whether you give, serve, or partner — every contribution directly fuels the development of Cleveland's next generation of leaders.
Your financial support funds programming, equipment, transportation, and the resources that make real development possible.
Give TodayCoaches, mentors, professionals, and community members — your time and expertise are among the most valuable things you can offer.
Get InvolvedOrganizations and businesses that align with our mission can partner with LARGE to expand impact and reach more young people.
Let's ConnectGet In Touch
Cleveland, Ohio
jfunch94@gmail.com
(216) 225-6475
linkedin.com/in/jaylen-funches-780b2714b/
LARGE Youth Leadership & Development Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.