YAP began in Philly in 2020. Six years later, the activities keep growing. The reason we come together stays the same.
The Rocky Steps. Where it all started.
THE BEGINNING
From Philly, for Philly.
You can live in a city full of people and still wonder where your people are. YAP is an invitation to find them through something simple: getting out and doing things together.
Founded by Sunny Goklani in 2020, Young & Active Philly started at the Rocky Steps. Running became a way to turn a familiar city into a place full of familiar faces.
The idea behind it was bigger than exercise. Sunny wanted to build deeper friendships through shared activity, with connection happening in person. In his interview with ESEO, he describes the care behind welcoming first-timers, introducing people and using conversation prompts to help everyone feel included.
ROOM TO GROW
One way to meet. So many reasons to stay.
Over the years, YAP has grown into runs and walks, tennis leagues, pickleball open plays, hikes, day trips, parties and whatever makes living in Philly fun.
A run can end with coffee. A tennis match can introduce you to your next running buddy. A group outing can become the plan you look forward to all week. There is more than one way to find your place here.
From waterfront hangs to Phillies games, the city gives us plenty of reasons to get together. Our job is to make it easier to say yes.
SIX YEARS IN
The best part is the people.
Over the years, we have witnessed countless friendships, quite a few love stories and even a YAP baby on the way. Those connections are the part of YAP that lives beyond the calendar.
We want to keep building a community where you can show up on your own, be yourself and leave with a reason to come back. A place that makes Philly feel like home, whether you just moved here or have been here for years.
Our story is still being written. You don’t need to know anyone to become part of it.
