Raising a Climbing Partner: What It Takes to Keep Girls in the Sport
By Dean Privett | Posted on September 18, 2026
As a father of a daughter and a lifelong climber, Dean Privett's hope is to someday have his daughter, June, become his climbing partner. For this to happen, she has to first fall in love with climbing.
Growing, Giving Back and Lifting Others in Sports Field Management
By Abby McNeal, CSFM, CPRP | Posted on September 18, 2026
What began as an interest in turfgrass for Abby McNeal quickly became a lifelong career—one that has taken her from municipal parks to collegiate athletics, professional sports, and now international soccer at the FIFA World Cup.
Creating Space to Belong
By Robert “Bob” Floyd | Posted on September 17, 2026
For Bob Floyd, getting more girls in the game starts long before anyone picks up a ball or steps onto a field. It starts with creating park and recreation spaces where people feel safe, welcome, respected and free to be themselves.
Give Her a Reason to Stay in the Game
By Kim Turner | Posted on September 14, 2026
In celebration of National Daughters Day, September 25, here are five tips you can use to get and keep your daughter active in sports today, tomorrow and beyond.
The Power of Belonging: How Burbank's Adaptive Sports Expo Is Redefining Inclusive Recreation
By Diego Cevallos | Posted on July 2, 2026
In Burbank, California, the Burbank Adaptive Sports Expo (BASE) is expanding access to recreation, building community partnerships and demonstrating how adaptive sports can unlock the power of belonging for an entire community.
The Power of Physical Activity in Hobbs, New Mexico
By Paula Drake | Posted on June 29, 2026
At the CORE (Center of Recreational Excellence) in Hobbs, New Mexico, the Homeschool PE program provides structured physical education for children who lack access to traditional gym classes, helping families fulfill necessary state curriculum requirements.
From the Field to the Future: How Communities Are Building the Coaching Pipeline
By Kent Hunt | Posted on June 23, 2026
We're excited to introduce the newest grantees in our Building the Coaching Pipeline initiative, supported by GameChanger. These communities are working to strengthen existing pathways and create new ones into coaching, using thoughtful and innovative strategies.
When a Badge and a Whistle Show up for the Same Kid
By Maureen Neumann | Posted on June 22, 2026
Park and recreation professionals and police officers may not always seem like natural partners. But when they work together around a belief that young people deserve better than what their circumstances hand them, something durable is built.
Highlighting The Power of Youth Sports in Philadelphia
By Allison Colman | Posted on May 4, 2026
Join us for the first-ever Youth Sports in Parks and Recreation Summit at the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference in Philadelphia as we rally around the power of parks and recreation in creating transformative sports experiences for young people.
From Tears to Confidence: Taking Back Youth Sports
By Justin Taylor | Posted on April 22, 2026
A childhood coaching moment shows how the right support can turn self-doubt into confidence, and why initiatives like ESPN's Take Back Sports are helping equip more coaches to do the same for today’s youth.
Supporting the Strength of Military Families Through Mentorship and Golf
By Dr. Thelma Tennie | Posted on April 10, 2026
Carter's Spectrum Golf Mentoring Program is proud to celebrate military children who demonstrate remarkable resilience every day, and is committed to supporting their growth both on and off the course.
I Raised Her to Love the Game — Now I Need the Game to Love Her Back
By Brian McFadden | Posted on April 2, 2026
When park and recreation professionals build a girls-only program, it isn't just filling a gap in a schedule. It’s sending a message that girls belong here, that their development matters and that the community has invested in their future.
The Power of Getting Girls in the Game — Episode 175
By Cort Jones and Cara Myers | Posted on February 17, 2026
What does it take to increase the number of girls participating in sports? On this episode of Open Space Radio, we explore how park and recreation professionals are creating programs that build confidence, belonging and lifelong participation.
Celebrating the Heart of Youth Sports: Coach Appreciation Month
By Brian McFadden | Posted on October 22, 2025
Every October, Coach Appreciation Month gives us a chance to pause and honor the individuals who dedicate their time, energy and heart to shaping the next generation through sports.
Beyond the Sidelines: Every Girl Deserves Her Chance to Play, Grow and Lead
By Brian McFadden and Michael Vaughan Cherubin | Posted on August 29, 2025
As part of this year’s pre-conference offerings at the 2025 NRPA Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida, NRPA is excited to join with the U.S. Soccer Foundation to bring you “Beyond the Sidelines: Elevating Girls' Participation in Park and Rec Sports.”
Back to School, Back to Belonging: How Park and Recreation Professionals Can Be Anchors for Youth This Fall
By Lisa Perry | Posted on August 14, 2025
Whether you’re overseeing afterschool programs, leading teen nights, coaching youth sports, or coordinating seasonal events, you’re likely one of the most consistent adult figures in a young person’s life outside of school and home.
Expanding Youth Soccer Participation with MLS GO
By Teresa Morrissey | Posted on July 18, 2025
NRPA is excited to partner with Major League Soccer (MLS) and RCX Sports to expand MLS GO, a recreational youth soccer program designed to increase access to soccer for boys and girls ages 4-14 in communities nationwide.
A Decade of Impact: Celebrating 10 Years of the Swoosh Summer Academy in Chicago
By Allison Colman | Posted on July 8, 2025
The Chicago Park District, the Center for Healing and Justice through Sport, and Nike recently came together to celebrate a powerful milestone: 10 years of the Swoosh Summer Academy.