Overview

In communities across the nation, park and recreation agencies offer youth sports programs that provide benefits far beyond just physical activity. These programs improve physical health, facilitate social development and boost the confidence of young people — providing accessible athletic opportunities that contribute to a world where all kids have access to high-quality sports programs.

Opportunities to participate in youth sports are not always equal and access can be limited for many. As one of the largest providers of out-of-school programs, serving more than 40 million youth annually, parks and recreation is well positioned to expland opportunities in sports. 

Through the Youth Sports in Parks and Recreation initiative and partnerships with industry leaders like ESPN, Musco Lighting, Nike and the Susan Crown Exchange, NRPA is expanding opportunities for high-quality sports for all. These grants provide support to park and recreation agencies to implement activities from NRPA’s Youth Sports Framework, which outlines key pathways for increasing access to youth sports.

Youth Sports in Parks and Recreation (Grants) 

Explore our current grant programs below and how they are supporting park and recreation agencies across the country.

• Powered by Musco Lighting, NRPA is providing funding to six local park and recreation agencies to increase opportunities for physical activity that are inclusive and welcoming to all, specifically for youth underrepresented in sport. Agencies receive $20,000 to put toward implementing systems change strategies plus and in-kind donation of Musco Lighting infrastructure, such as lighting or a mini pitch valued at $100,000. Read more about the awards here. 
• Developed by Susan Crown Exchange, the Million Coaches Challenge provides no-cost training to youth-serving professionals in parks and recreation so staff and volunteers have the skills to support positive youth development. Coaches trained in youth development are proven to improve the sports experience, resulting in increased participation. Training partners include the Center for Healing and Justice Through Sport, Nike in partnership with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Positive Coaching Alliance and United States Soccer Foundation. ESPN has also contributed to increase the impact ofof this grant program through their youth sports initiative, Take Back Sports. With Susan Crown Exchange and ESPN's investment, NRPA is supporting 52 agencies. Read more about the awards here.
• Powered by Nike, NRPA is supporting 10 organizations to test and pilot activities that increase access to sports for girls. Participating agencies are receiving $20,000 to implement systems change strategies and participate in an NRPA-led Community of Practice, which provides education and networking opportunities focused on increasing access to sport, especially for girls. In addition to increasing girls’ participation in programs, the Community of Practice also will collectively advance strategies to increase the representation of women coaches. Read more about the awards here.

These grant opportunities represent a significant investment in the future of our communities and the well-being of our youth. By supporting park and recreation agencies in creating more youth sport experiences that are open to all, we can ensure that all young people have the opportunity to benefit from the physical, mental and social advantages of sports participation. Please contact youthsports@nrpa.org with any questions about these grant programs.

Partnership Opportunities

To learn more about NRPA's youth sports initiatives and how we can work together to increase access to youth sports for all, contact NRPA's Youth Sports team, by reaching out to NRPA Senior Program Manager Teresa Morrissey at tmorrissey@nrpa.org.