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 50 million youth annually, parks and recreation is well positioned to expand 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:

Active Grant Programs:

  • OPEN NOW! NRPA and GameChanger are teaming up to tackle one of the most urgent challenges in youth sports today — the nationwide coaching shortage. Five park and recreation agencies will receive $10,000 to develop, implement and evaluate innovative approaches that build long-term pathways into coaching. Grantees will also receive no-cost coach training to equip staff and volunteers with the skills and confidence needed to create positive experiences for young people. Learn more about this opportunity at the March 18 informational webinar. Applications are due April 10.

Apply Now

 

Closed Grant Programs:

  • Supported by Musco Lighting, NRPA has provided funding to seven park and recreation agencies to increase access to sports and play. Agencies received an in-kind donation of Musco Lighting infrastructure — such as lighting or a mini pitch — of $50,000 to $100,000. In addition, agencies received a $20,000 grant to activate their infrastructure and increase participation in sports.
  • Powered by Nike, NRPA has supported 10 organizations to implement activities that increase access to sports for girls. Participating agencies received $35,000 to implement new 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.
  • Since joining the Million Coaches Challenge in 2024, NRPA has provided no-cost training to staff and volunteers, so they’re equipped to support positive youth development. With support from ESPN as part of their Take Back Sports initiative, with additional support from Nike in partnership with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, NRPA will provide no-cost training to up to 35 park and recreation agencies. NRPA will also provide $2,500 microgrants so agencies can strengthen their coach development programs, plus support youth sports in their community. The program continues to work with established training partners including the Center for Healing and Justice through Sport, How to Coach Kids, Positive Coaching Alliance, and the United States Soccer Foundation.

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 at youthsports@nrpa.org.

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