The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) today announced the award of 58 grants totaling more than $1.2 million in cash and in-kind support to park and recreation agencies across 25 states and the District of Columbia, accelerating efforts to expand access to high-quality youth sports opportunities. Made possible through partnerships with Musco Lighting, Nike and ESPN, the funding will help communities remove obstacles, build welcoming programs and create positive sports experiences for young people nationwide. Despite the proven benefits of youth sports, access remains uneven for many children and families. As one of the nation’s largest providers of out-of-school programming, serving more than 50 million youth each year, park and recreation agencies are uniquely positioned to close these gaps and ensure more young people can participate, belong and thrive through sports.
This investment will support new and improved sports infrastructure in seven communities, provide training for 6,000 additional coaches, and support the implementation of evidence-based strategies from NRPA’s Get Her in the Game Playbook in 10 communities, strengthening local sports systems and expanding opportunity where it is needed most.
“This investment reflects a shared belief in the transformative power of parks, recreation and youth sports,” said Kristine Stratton, president and CEO of NRPA. “These grants will accelerate progress toward more fair and welcoming sports opportunities nationwide by removing obstacles to participation and expanding access to high-quality programs. Through sports, children build confidence, connection and character — skills that they will carry with them from the playground to the classroom and beyond.”
Learn more at www.nrpa.org.