18TH Ward

A diverse-by-design sports program for kids ages 4 to 8. Over the course of the year, young athletes are introduced to a variety of sports including soccer, basketball, baseball, flag football, and track. To provide a positive, fun, and skill-building experience, 100% of our coaches are trained. Athletes rotate in small groups to different skill or sports stations throughout practice. Kids will always be moving and will never be standing around waiting for the ball. Every kid gets a ball, nobody waits in a line, and coaches have a menu of games and skill-building activities to choose from to maximize engagement.

In sports, the quality of a program largely depends on the strength of its coaches. Coaches who are well-trained and able to build relationships with kids can make a huge difference. Across the country, there are not enough great coaches. Less than 20% of youth coaches are trained, less than 3% are under the age of 24, and less than 30% identify as female (Aspen Institute, State of Play). We hire, train, and mentor our high school students. Our Coaches in Training program gives high school athletes a chance to practice their leadership, learn to coach, and provide a service to their community.

Youth sports participation should be a right, not a privilege. 7 out of 10 children with family incomes over $100,000 play sports compared to 3 out of 10 children whose families earn less than $25,000 (Aspen Institute). We created our Academy programs so that as our athletes get older they can continue to have fun, play in an inclusive environment, and further develop their skills without finances becoming a barrier to their participation. Learn more about our sports academies below.