The Valley Youth Organization was established in 1946 in Reading, Ohio. The original name was Reading Youth Organization. The organization was founded on the premise that boys and girls engaged in organized sports are less likely to get into trouble, are better students in the classroom, and they become better citizens. Their bodies are more likely to be strong and healthy as they mature into adult years and they learn to work together with their teammates to achieve success. They celebrate their successes when they win, and gracefully accept losing; always congratulating the winner. It’s a lesson in life itself. Life’s journey is a team event that requires all of us to learn from everyone else. The VYO believes strongly in the team concept.
In 1948 the organization was renamed to welcome children from the surrounding communities to also participate in the sports organized by the VYO.