FundPlay Foundation

??? Mark your calendars for Kings County Tennis League's 2025 Summit! This event will focus on the power of volunteers in fostering community and belonging, with a discussion?on?how volunteers?can make a meaningful impact within the sports-based youth development framework. Their featured speaker is Angela Woods, Senior Director, Corporate Citizenship at ESPN. Event Details: Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025 Time: 12 PM to 3 PM Location:?BRIC,?647 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11217 RSVP with the link below ?? https://lnkd.in/ewdYgcGA

18,000 and counting. City Parks Foundation has provided 100% free sports programming to over 18,000 youth in NYC since becoming a FundPlay partner in 2023 ?? It’s hard to imagine that kind of impact, so for #FundPlayFriday, we wanted to share some love to CPF and the leader of their Play efforts, Jonathan Gamberg. Jonathan’s passion and care for his work is palpable. Jonathan, Cory, and the CPF team are committed to creating quality youth sports experiences across New York City’s 5 boroughs. By facilitating programming in parks across the city, City Parks Foundation’s sports offerings meet communities where they are while remaining cost-accessible. The amount of tiny details that must go into making this work possible is hard to comprehend! We love being a partner to Jonathan, Cory, and the whole team at CPF ??????

The Aspen Institute Sports & Society 2025 Project Play Summit is less than a week away ?? We want to share some of the major benefits of youth sports participation. This chart below, created by Project Play, details how the benefits of youth sports last a lifetime and transcend generational boundaries. FundPlay is so excited to be a part of many impactful conversations happening in Berkley next week. Our Executive Director, Jared Cooper, will also be speaking on a panel ?? We're hyped - to say the least. If you'll be at Project Play, send us a DM so we can chat at the Summit!

What has four thumbs and is a big fan of The JT Dorsey Foundation? FundPlay Foundation! ???????? Happy #FundPlayFriday, y’all! This week we are celebrating JT (left in photo), the founder of JTDF. JTDF uses soccer as a tool to reach under-resourced youth in Pennsylvania, fostering not just athletic skills, but also strong moral character, academic excellence, and community involvement. They have served over 11,000 youth through their Soccer for Success program ?? JT is a person who builds community wherever he goes. We are so grateful to support him in his mission of using soccer to develop youth! ?

We are beyond hyped to see ThruGuiDANCE 24 Degrees of Color highlighted by CBS Morning News today ?? We can't imagine a better way to start your day than listening to Kendal and her colleagues share how their programs are making hockey more accessible and inclusive ??

Happy #FundPlayFriday ?? Today, we shine the spotlight on the HOLLYWOOD POLICE ACTIVITIES LEAGUE ? Hollywood PAL is a beacon of hope for hundreds of youth in Hollywood and surrounding areas, providing them with a safe space, positive alternatives, and mentorship. Yvonne Singleton, Program Coordinator at Hollywood PAL, is constantly going above and beyond to support the youth they serve. She leads their Girl Scouts troop, and her ability to listen and be a caring adult in their lives is truly inspiring. This picture is from our 2023 FundPlay Summit. We love being in your orbit, Yvonne, and we are grateful to support Hollywood PAL! ??

???New Project Play Report Reveals a 46% Increase Since 2019! ?? Project Play just released a report highlighting the escalating costs of youth sports. ?? The study reveals a staggering 46% increase in family spending on youth sports since 2019. This rise is impacting access to quality sports opportunities for many children. Are we creating a system where only some can afford to play?

Happy #FundPlayFriday ?? This week, we're shining the spotlight on Madison Hafitz, the Senior Program Manager of Kilometer Kids & Youth Running at the Atlanta Track Club! ?? Kilometer Kids is Atlanta Track Club's oldest and largest youth running program, designed for children in grades K-5. It's 100% free and since its launch in 2007, Kilometer Kids has grown significantly, now impacting thousands of children each year in the Atlanta region. Madison is dedicated to increasing access to physical activity and building community through sports. Her passion for youth development is truly inspiring! We are so grateful to work with leaders like Madison who power accessible sport across Atlanta ??

We’re thrilled to see Ice Hockey In Harlem's feature on Good Morning America! ?? For decades, this program has been transforming lives by teaching Harlem’s youth life skills, resilience, and leadership through hockey and education. Watch the GMA story here:

This #FundplayFriday, we are shining a light on Kings County Tennis League and 4 reasons we love them and their work! ?? KCTL brings the magic of tennis to youth living in and around Brooklyn public housing - and they do so at no cost for their families. 4 reasons we love KCTL: 1. Through their innovative programs, they break down barriers to access, making tennis not just a sport but a pathway to personal growth and community building. ?? 2. KCTL is Community Focused: By utilizing local public housing spaces, they create accessible play areas that bring kids together. They even refurbished 3 courts at the De Hostos Playground in 2024! 3. KCTL has parents of players on their board. This is pretty unique and shows their commitment to listening and responding to community need. 4. Every year, KCTL hosts a Summit for their board, volunteers, and community. It’s a powerful and innovative day, full of peer learning and growth. Too cool! Because 4 isn't enough, a bonus reason to love KCTL is their most amazing team! This photo features Joe, Jamie, and board member Alexandra. Thank you for the work you do and for being a partner to FundPlay Foundation ??