Swing Forward
Urban Eagle: Swing Forward Initiative
Empowering youth in underserved communities through golf, mentorship, and character development.
Driving Change, One Swing at a Time
Founded in 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky, the Swing Forward Initiative was born out of brotherhood, growth, and the unexpected lessons found on the fairway. Our mission is to create a safe, inclusive space where young people ages 10–18 can learn the values of focus, respect, perseverance, and community—both on and off the course. We are committed to reducing barriers to entry for youth who may not traditionally have access to the sport, and to fostering a new generation of community-minded leaders.
Empowering Through Engagement
At Urban Eagle: Swing Forward Initiative, we offer a wide range of services designed to empower youth and foster community engagement. Our programs are meticulously designed to instill life skills, provide educational and career support, and promote mental and physical wellness. Each service is a stepping stone towards our mission of creating a safe, inclusive space where young people can learn and grow.
Golf-Centered Youth Development Program
Our Golf-Centered Youth Development Program uses the discipline of golf as a vehicle for teaching life skills. We focus on instilling values such as integrity, patience, confidence, and goal-setting. Each golf lesson is more than just a sports session; it’s a life lesson that helps shape character and personal growth.
Education and Career Support
We believe in the power of education and the opportunities it brings. Our Education and Career Support service provides educational support and resources that help participants swing forward in every area of life. We also provide career guidance to help our youth envision and work towards a successful future.
Community Engagement and Workforce Development
Our Community Engagement and Workforce Development service is all about fostering community involvement and providing workforce development opportunities. We encourage our youth to be active members of their community and equip them with the skills needed for the workforce.
Mental and Physical Wellness Services
At Urban Eagle, we understand the importance of mental and physical wellness. Our services promote these aspects through structured mentorship and character development. We provide a supportive environment where our youth can discuss their challenges, learn coping strategies, and develop a healthy lifestyle.
Family and Community Involvement
We believe in the power of community and family support in the development of our youth. Our Family and Community Involvement service encourages families to be part of their children’s journey and fosters a sense of community spirit.
Apparel and Gear Access Support
To ensure our youth have everything they need to participate in our programs, we provide Apparel and Gear Access Support. This includes providing golf equipment and apparel, ensuring no child is left out due to lack of resources.
Why Choose Urban Eagle
Urban Eagle: Swing Forward Initiative is not just another youth development program. We are a community of mentors, educators, and advocates dedicated to empowering inner-city youth through the game of golf. We break down traditional barriers of cost, culture, and access, making golf accessible to all, regardless of their background.
Unique Approach to Youth Development
We use golf as a vehicle for teaching life skills, not just as an end goal. Our unique approach allows us to instill values such as integrity, patience, confidence, and goal-setting in a fun and engaging way. Each golf lesson is a life lesson, helping to shape character and personal growth.
Community Engagement and Accessibility
We believe in bringing the game to the people. From pop-up events and mobile golf simulators to in-school clinics and park activations, we go where the youth are. Our programs are designed to be accessible and inclusive, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to participate.
Investment in Youth
We don’t just inspire—we equip. From providing starter sets and scholarships to offering access to exclusive Urban Eagle perks, we invest in the journey of each child. We believe in their potential and are committed to supporting them every step of the way.
Exclusive Gear and Merchandise
Participants in our program gain access to exclusive gear and merchandise drops. This not only equips them with the necessary tools to participate in the sport but also instills a sense of pride and belonging. We combine style with community involvement, making our participants feel part of something bigger.
Mentorship and Career Readiness
Our programs focus on mentorship and career readiness. We pair our participants with trusted mentors and positive role models, providing them with meaningful relationships and personal development resources. Our goal is to prepare them for success, both on and off the course.
Our Journey
The Swing Forward Initiative was born out of a shared epiphany among three friends – Dominique Robinson, John Giddens, and Antonio DeWalt. Their journey began on a golf course, a place none of them expected to find themselves. As they delved deeper into the game, they discovered that golf was more than just a sport – it was a classroom that taught patience, accountability, focus, and emotional control. This realization sparked an idea: What if they could give youth in underserved communities access to these life lessons?
From this idea, the Swing Forward Initiative was born. A nonprofit organization dedicated to providing youth with access, mentorship, and life tools through the discipline of golf. The goal wasn’t to raise pro golfers—it was to raise grounded, focused, confident young people who could carry golf’s lessons into every area of life.
Now, as directors of Swing Forward, Antonio, John, and Dominique are committed to using their journey—from friends to fathers, from first swings to first lessons—as a blueprint for transformation, one young golfer at a time.
Our diverse backgrounds converge to form a dynamic leadership team that understands mentorship, physical development, public engagement, and golf culture from the ground level—making us well-suited to guide the next generation through the Swing Forward Initiative.
Reach Out to Us
We’re always eager to connect with individuals and organizations who share our passion for youth development and community engagement. Whether you’re interested in learning more about our programs, exploring volunteer opportunities, or finding out how you can support our mission, we’d love to hear from you. Our team is on hand to answer any questions you may have and provide the information you need.
Email: info@swingforwardinitiative.com
Phone: +1 (502) 300-2648
Business Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9AM-6PM
We look forward to hearing from you and working together to empower our youth and build stronger communities.
