JUST PLAY!
Starting Our JUST PLAY! Journey..
KIDS Community's JUST PLAY! program is a research and community action program aimed to assess the status of community-based youth sports and develop potential strategies and programs to address funding for and access to community-based youth sports, especially in underrepresented groups.
"Sport has the power to change the world .."
Nelson Mandela inspirational speech at the Laureus World Sports Awards 2000 in Monaco. (0:39)
Why is it so critical to encourage engagement in and provide access to sports in local communities? Participation in sports promotes physical, emotional and mental health and wellness. Sports create community cohesion, a sense of belonging, and opportunities for economic impact. Sports break down social, economic and racial barriers and provide youth with a platform from which to believe in an optimistic future ...
"We made the impossible possible .."
John Cook, Head Volleyball Coach - University of Nebraska
On August 30, 2022, Nebraska Volleyball broke the world record for attendance to a women's sporting event at 92,003. (2:22)
JUST PLAY! Program Background
Youth sports have changed significantly over the past 20 years, with recent acceleration of declining access to community based-youth sports. Numerous factors have contributed to these changes, including lack of access to facilities and equipment, shortage of qualified coaches and volunteers, global recessions, the pandemic, and the further professionalization of youth sports and the rising cost of sports. These changes are causing significant shifts in the roles of non-profit sports organization, club sports organizations, corporate funders and investors. Much needs to be done to attenuate the loss of access, the ensuing mental and physical health challenges in our community's youth, and to set and achieve goals toward gaining equity in access to youth sports. REFERENCES
The KCI JUST PLAY! community-based youth sports initiative is a dynamic program dedicated to ensuring equitable access to sports opportunities for all youth within our community. Our mission is to break down barriers to participation, fostering an inclusive environment where every young individual can thrive through sports engagement.
To address access challenges, we have embarked on a multifaceted, programmatic approach that begins with the development of policy recommendations aimed at eliminating socio-economic disparities. Advocating for inclusive sports policies at local and regional levels is essential in creating a supportive framework.
Second, funding strategies, will be prioritized, seeking partnerships with local businesses, philanthropic organizations, and government grants to secure sustainable financial backing. This collaborative funding model ensures a diverse range of resources and supports the longevity of the initiative. Best practices will be implemented to create a welcoming and diverse sports culture, emphasizing mentorship programs, cultural sensitivity training for coaches, and community engagement events.
Third, to enhance the sustainability of youth-based community sports programs, we propose establishing strategic alliances with schools, community centers, and local professional and amateur sports clubs. Creating a network of shared resources and facilities optimizes program efficiency and impact. Regular evaluations and feedback loops will be implemented to adapt and refine our approach based on the evolving needs of the community.
Our JUST PLAY! community-based youth sports initiative is committed to creating a level playing field where all youth can enjoy the physical, social, and emotional benefits of sports. Through thoughtful policies, innovative funding strategies, and best practices, we aim to build a sustainable and inclusive sports program that empowers young individuals, regardless of background, to reach their full potential. Together, we strive for a community where sports serve as a catalyst for unity, growth, and lifelong well-being.
Building the Plan .. Advocacy
Developing a comprehensive advocacy plan is essential for promoting community-based youth sports initiatives and garnering support from various stakeholders. Here are the activities we are acting on or will engage in 2024:
Defined Goals and Objectives (in progress):
- Increased access to sports programs (especially for the underrepresented),
- Increased funding to community sports programs
- increased access (cost, facilities, transportation, quality coaches, peer groups)
Identified Target Audiences (in progress):
- Key stakeholders: local government officials, corporate leaders, media, community members, parents, educators, and potential program participants.
Building a Coalition (in progress):
- Establishing a community of partnerships with like-minded organizations, schools, sports clubs, and community groups (See KCI COMMUNITY).
Research and Data Collection (in progress):
- Collecting data and research identifying needs and gaps and supporting the benefits of youth sports, including academic performance, physical health, mental health, and community engagement.
Engaging with Decision-Makers (in progress):
- Meeting with local government officials, school administrators, and corporate leaders to share data, articulate goals and align on the JUST PLAY! initiative.
Utilize Media and Public Relations (2024):
- Initial press releases, local media engagement, and utilization of social media platforms
Community Outreach and Events (2024):
- Mobilization of Grassroots Support (2024)
- American Heart Association Teen of Impact Program (February - April 2024)
- Girls in Sports Day, March 2024
- TBD Q2-Q4 2024
Building the Plan .. Funding
Corporate and philanthropic support plays a pivotal role in the success and sustainability of community-based youth sports initiatives. Engaging corporations and existing philanthropic organizations with aligned objectives in these efforts not only provides essential financial resources but also brings valuable expertise, visibility, and a sense of shared responsibility for the community's well-being. Here's a deeper exploration of the ways in which corporate support can contribute to the success of such initiatives:
Financial Sponsorship:
- Corporations and community organizations can provide financial backing through sponsorships, grants, and donations. These funds are crucial for covering program costs, maintaining facilities, and expanding outreach efforts.
In-Kind Contributions:
- Companies and other organizations can contribute in-kind resources, such as sports equipment, uniforms, or access to facilities. These contributions help reduce operational costs, making the initiative more sustainable in the long run.
Employee Volunteerism:
- Encouraging employees and members to volunteer their time and skills to community youth sports initiatives fosters a sense of community engagement among corporate teams. This can involve mentoring, coaching, or assisting in program logistics.
Skill-Based Support:
- Corporations and organizations often have professionals with valuable skills that can benefit the initiative, including marketing support, event planning expertise, or even legal assistance for navigating regulatory requirements.
Co-Branding Opportunities:
- Creating co-branded initiatives can enhance the visibility of both the corporate sponsor and the youth sports program, attracting more community support aligning the corporate or community partner with positive social impact.
Donation and Volunteer Matching Programs:
- Many companies and organizations offer donation matching programs, where they match the charitable donations or volunteer hours contributed by their employees or members. Encouraging participation in such programs can significantly boost the financial support for the youth sports initiative.
Corporate Challenges and Events:
- Engaging corporations and community organizations in organizing or sponsoring sports events, fundraising challenges, or tournaments can bring attention to the initiative while fostering a sense of friendly competition and community spirit.
Long-Term Partnerships:
- Building lasting relationships with corporate and community partners fosters stability and continuity. Long-term commitments allow for strategic planning and the implementation of impactful, sustained programs.
Advocacy and Influence:
- Corporations and community organizations can leverage their influence to advocate for policies that support youth sports, both locally and nationally, thus contributing to a community where access to sports is prioritized and supported.
Corporate and philanthropic support for community-based youth sports initiatives goes beyond financial contributions. It involves collaborative partnerships, shared expertise, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of young individuals. By aligning with corporations that share the same values, these initiatives can achieve greater reach, effectiveness, and sustainability.
Building the Plan .. Sustainability
Critical to the sustainability of the KCI JUST PLAY! program will be:
- Partnership Development among local schools, community centers, and sports clubs that share a commitment to youth development through sports. Initiate discussions to explore collaboration opportunities.
- Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) that establish clear and formal agreements, MOUs, with partner organizations. Clearly outline roles, responsibilities, and expectations to ensure a transparent and mutually beneficial partnership.
- Shared Resource Pool to create a centralized repository of resources, including equipment, coaching staff, and facilities, that can be shared among the alliance. This pool ensures optimal resource utilization and reduces duplication of efforts.
- Facility Access Agreements with partner organizations to secure shared access to sports facilities, including schools opening up their sports fields after school hours or community centers providing indoor spaces during weekends.
- Cross-Promotional and Collaborative Marketing initiatives to promote the collective impact.
- Coaching and Mentorship Programs that involve professionals from local sports clubs or experienced individuals within the community to enhance the quality of coaching and foster a sense of community and shared expertise.
- Regular Evaluation system to assess the impact of the programs, including tracking participation rates, monitoring individual and team progress, and measuring the overall well-being of program participants.
- Feedback Loops for continuous feedback from participants, parents, coaches, and partner organizations. to ensure that the programs remain responsive to the evolving needs and preferences of the community.
- Adaptability and Flexibility in the design the programs to adapt to changing circumstances and remain responsive to emerging trends, community feedback, and any unforeseen challenges. This adaptability ensures that the initiatives stay relevant and effective.
- Capacity Building of the team, volunteers, and partners to ensures sustained program quality.
- Financial Sustainability to include diverse funding streams, including grants, donations, and sponsorships.
- Community Engagement Events to keep the community informed about program updates, achievements, and future plans.
- Periodic Review and Adjustment of the program's strategy, implementation, and effectiveness.
By implementing this sustainability plan, JUST PLAY! can harness the collective strength of partner organizations, optimize resource utilization, and remain responsive to the evolving needs of the community. This collaborative approach not only enhances program efficiency but will also contribute to the long-term success and sustainability of the initiative.
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